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My friends at Stikes have an excellent post summarizing a case about the release employees are often asked to sign upon the termination of their employment. Their summary speaks for itself, but I will note that this is yet another case that demonstrates what I have often referred to in presentations as the single best risk management strategy you can use for your business: Don’t Be a Jerk.

A 63 year old man who had been with The Home Depot for 20 years was terminated with barely more than the statutory minimum notice, and was asked on the spot to sign a document releasing The Home Depot from liability. It doesn’t take a lot of thought to realize that when you treat someone this poorly, you face a significant risk of rebound (in this case, legal costs, double the notice, and bad publicity).

If you need to terminate someone’s employment, think carefully about what you ought to do to handle the situation with respect, courtesy and due regard for the employee’s dignity. The circumstances behind the termination might have you feeling frustrated, or even angry, but try to avoid letting these get the better of you. It’s the right thing to do.

Update: Professor David Doorey covers the case here.