Why would companies choose to terminate employees this way? In part, because they can. Your soon-to-be-former employer doesn’t have to be nice when they fire you. In most cases, they can let you go without notice or warning, and tell you in any manner they choose. Here’s how (and when) an employer can fire you, information on laws regulating termination, and how to handle it when you’ve been fired.
When Can You Get Fired by Email, Phone, or Text?
Unless you are covered by an employment contract or state law that stipulates how you can be terminated, there are no restrictions on how an employer can fire you. Most employees in the U.S. are employed at will, which means that they can be fired for any reason or no reason at all. Employers can fire employees over the phone, by paper letter or email, in person—or yes, even by sending a text message.
Employer Termination Policies
Will you be fired via phone or worse? In most cases, no. While an employer can fire you in any method they choose, this is not typical company policy. Most employers know that these methods of firing would hurt staff morale. Word of harsh firings can reverberate through an organization and impact the productivity and retention of key employees. If your company is planning to stay in business for a while, they have an additional reason to be professional during the termination process. Not only do they hope to retain their current employees, but they also want to be able to hire new ones as necessary. If word gets out that they fire staff via text or phone call, the organization will have a hard time attracting new talent. The bottom line is, employers have a brand, and they don’t want theirs to include “fires people in 280 characters or less.” The company may have provided you with a warning and given you a chance to improve your performance. But this is not a requirement unless stipulated by company policy or employment agreement.
Typical Termination Process
Almost all organizations have a set process for discharging staff, which normally includes a meeting with a human resources or management representative who will go over benefits and any other conditions for your separation. Organizations also want solid documentation that you have received their notice of termination, such as a signed document or registered mail receipt.
What To Do If You’re Fired
Regardless of how you are informed of a firing, make sure your employer provides all the benefits that are outlined in your employee manual or contract, like severance pay and unused vacation or sick pay.
Wrongful Termination
While a firing over the phone or via text is not typically illegal, there are instances of wrongful termination. This happens when an employee is discharged from employment for illegal reasons or if company policy is violated when the employee is fired. If you believe your termination was wrongful or you have not been treated according to the law or company policy, you can get help. The U.S. Department of Labor, for example, has information on each law that regulates employment and advice on where and how to file a claim. You may also be covered by state laws that regulate how employers can discharge employees. Check with your state labor department for guidelines. Whether or not you were wrongfully terminated, it is important not to beat yourself up. Firings can happen to anyone. Rather than dwell on it, focus on moving forward.
