Should I fire my best employee ?

Question

I caught her sleeping at her desk. She is a great accountant, and has been with my business for very long time. She has a family, and she is usually very hard working all the time. I saw her napping at her desk yesterday. I know she has been working a 2nd job to make extra money because her husband is leaving her. What should I do ?

Answer 1

You answered your own question.. she is your best employee and is very hard working. All employees are entitled to take a break, and 'catnaps' can be very refreshing. If she's just taking a 15 minute refresher, I would say nothing. If she's conking out for hours, you have a different problem, but firing her is not the solution. If she's a senior employee, an accountant, hard working.. why are you not paying her enough to support her family without taking on a 2nd job? Cut her some slack.. look for a different solution.. and if you can help her through this difficult time I'm sure she'll continue to be your best employee for years :)

Answer 2

I run a small business. And I have to say, as with most things, it's all about the context.

In general, unless it's specifically an issue (like they work the front desk), I couldn't care less if my employees take a nap at their desks, as long as they're getting their work done. Now, it might be a bit of a problem if they slept for hours a time, or something, but the occasional nap really wouldn't be a big deal for me at all. Especially not for an employee who I'd labeled as my "best employee." And who is obviously going through a difficult time.

If I had to guess, since you described her as your best employee, I'd hazard that she's probably the type who's worked through a lot of lunch hours (and quite probably put in a lot of unpaid overtime as a salaried employee) to meet deadlines? If so, then you really have no reason to even question such a thing.

I do notice that you say she's working a second job. You might want to consider that... it could be more than a sign of her current relationship status. Are you actually paying her what she's worth (when she isn't bone-tired from working a second job?)

Chances are pretty good that she's already looking for a different job so she won't have to work two. If she's really your best employee, you might want to consider offering her a raise. I know that seems counterintuitive given your question. But any small business owner knows it's a dicey proposition to replace a good employee. Why risk it?

Give her a reason to quit that second job and I'll bet she becomes your best employee for life.

Answer 3

Is her sleeping on the job a bigger headache than trying to find, hire and train a new employee? Of course not! You haven;t been able to hire anyone as good as this person prior to now - you think that you'll fire her when she is vulnerable and be able to get someone better to replace her? Fat chance.

If she is your best employee why aren't you paying her what will allow her to make it?

Don't get involved in her personal problems, but assure her that you want and need her, that you will make an effort to work with her to the same degree that she works with you.

Besides lots of recent research says that everyone ought to take a short nap during the day!

Then finally, if she is your accountant and you can trust her, then you need to be grateful that your biggest problem is a nap. I can give you countless examples of our clients whose account stole hundreds of thousands of dollars from them.

Answer 4

If she has been a great employee for a very long time I think that a better move on your part would be to talk to her - tell her you understand her situation and that you don't want to fire her at this very very stressful time of her life but you also have a business to run - see what the two of you can work out. Please give her a break.

Answer 5

No, I would not fire her under this type of circumstance. She has enough happening in her life right now and would normally not be napping at work. I would talk to her and, if possible, work out a solution that works for both of you. Valuable employees are hard to find. Give her some time, she is suffering and needs support.

Answer 6

Well- You mentioned that she is a great accountant,as well as the fact that she is working two jobs to save money for X reasons.I think that since you know this and being that she is a great employee-give her a chance.Speak with her and let her know your exactly feelings on everything and help her out with whatever you can..that's what i would do ...But-should this go on FIRE HER !!!

Answer 7

First off, your in business and your business is putting food on the table for your family, so you can't afford to have employees taking advantage of you.

Now, you have to weigh that with the fact you know this person is going through one of the most depressing things she will go through in her life and you say she is your best employee.

I am also in business for myself and I think I would give her all the warnings and chances I could to let her get through this, but if it keeps up after many warnings then you have no choice.

Answer 8

NO! Good employees are hard to find, great employees are near impossible. Talk with her about what you saw (if she doesn't already know you caught her) and let her know that it is not acceptable, but you are willing to work with her to make sure it doesn't happen again. At the worst, give her a write up to be put in her personnel file.

Answer 9

I am always amazed at how soo many smart and intellegent people, work for the Man. Help her get an S Corperation, Show her how to take it to the bank, open a business account, send a copy to the Telephone Company, advertise in the Yellow Pages, get a web site and work from home so she can be with her kids, or out sourse, using her as a Sole Proprietorship, independant contract on 1099. Her kids could get her through this divorse and having her own business can boost morale and keep her *** busy. Try a coffe bar at work, also people who make their own hours tend to work longer hours and go the extra mile.....

Answer 10

The LAST thing she needs is to lose her job on top of her husband and family. Talk to her, if this is a one time offense, she at least deserves another chance. Talk to her and get her a STRONG cup of coffee. If she is you best employee, YOU have a lot to lose as well. You both will make out better if you communicate with her and see what you can do to help her situation, if she knows that you are a friend she will work harder for you as to not disappoint you, but if it continues you do see that you have no choice but to take action. You have to look out for your best interests as well. Good luck!