It doesn’t matter if you saw the writing on the wall or your termination caught you off guard, you should understand that you have legal rights as an employee. After you have been fired, you need to protect those rights, as you may learn that you could be owed some form of compensation.
Here are some important steps to take after learning about your termination:
- Ask questions. For example, if your supervisor terminates you face-to-face, be respectful as you ask questions and seek additional information. If your boss or the HR rep neglects to answer them, schedule an appointment with the HR department.
- Review your employment contract. It’s here that you’ll find information on termination procedures, as well as the terms and conditions of your employment. You may soon find that your employer violated your contract in some way.
- Get what is owed to you. Maybe you find that your termination was within your employer’s rights. While it may be disappointing, don’t let it get you down to the point of overlooking everything that’s owed to you. In addition to final payments, which can include base pay and bonuses, determine if you’re in line to receive a severance package.
Even if you’re ready to move on from your job, there are few worse experiences than getting fired. You’ll have many emotions with which to contend, but don’t forget to take a professional and detailed approach to your situation.
When you ask the right questions and review the correct information, you’re best positioned to protect your legal rights while obtaining everything that’s owed to you.
