A cover story is a positive explanation for a laid off employee's departure from the business. First, if you're separating the jobholder for an unlawful reason (for example, because she's a Muslim) or because of a stupid reason (for example, she started dating someone you don't like), then PLEASE DON'T put your reason down on paper. For most owners and managers, dealing with any form of gross misconduct is a rough road. In short, you must provide the specific reasons for sacking the jobholder, their problem behaviors and dates these problems occurred. First put your employee into escalating discipline. Conducting dismissals this way also minimizes negative effects for the remaining personnel. As you hunt for a sample lay off notice for demeanor, make sure the notifications you choose as your base makes clear to the worker that this notification should not be a surprise. It also should document any measures taken to resolve the problem before terminating became the only alternative. If you don't know how to use escalating discipline or how to write a proper lay off letter, you need a copy of my book, "Employee termination guidebook." You can get it at my website: (Again, describe in detail what the project was and what results you expected.) But, to be on the safe side, be sure to buy updated versions of your dismissing employees manual as they become available. Any violation of these conditions makes up employment disobedience.

If the worker refuses to leave after a reasonable time, inform her firmly to get out of the building. If you decide to offer an exit interview, you must include the time, date and meeting place in the dismissal letter. If you're unsure about how to deal suitably with an disgruntled individual and how to document the problems you are having with this individual, you might want to attend a company workshop or take classes at a nearby college.