Podcast Episode 8 – Handling Employee Termination Gracefully in Your Salon or Spa
In the beauty business, parting ways with a team member is tough but sometimes necessary. It’s not just about saying goodbye; it’s about knowing the hows and whys so you can do it the right way.
Listen to this article here. Podcast links are below
Getting the Basics Right
Ending a job is never easy, whether it’s a decision from you (termination) or them (resignation). Chris Drinovz, Partner at KSW Lawyers and the founder and leader of the Employment & Labour Group, sheds light on this delicate process.
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The Early Days Matter: The Probation Period
Newbies have a trial period. If things aren’t clicking, you can part ways easily in these early days, especially in the first three months. Just remember, the rules change once this period is over.
Full-time or Part-time: Same Rules Apply
Whether your team member is full-time or part-time, the game’s the same when it comes to ending their contract. It’s all about their average earnings when figuring out their dues.
Understanding ‘Cause’ and ‘No Cause’
There are two ways to say goodbye: ‘with cause’ (like serious issues on their part) and ‘without cause’. Going the ‘with cause’ route doesn’t need notice or severance, but you’ve got to have your facts straight.
Steering Clear of Legal Bumps
As a salon/spa owner, watch out for legal traps. Mistakes like not giving enough notice or being unfair can lead to big headaches.
Smart Moves for Salon Owners
- Be picky when hiring.
- Use clear contracts.
- Keep records and follow steps before letting someone go.
Privacy is Key
After saying goodbye, keep it classy. Their story isn’t for sharing with the team or clients.
Wrapping Up
Letting someone go is hard, but knowing the ins and outs makes it smoother. Stay informed, stay fair, and keep your salon or spa a great place to work and visit.
Chris Drinovz
Chris Drinovz is a Partner at KSW Lawyers and the founder and leader of the Employment & Labour Group. His calling is to excellence through the mastery of his craft and tireless dedication to his clients. He is described as hard-working, trustworthy, and genuine. His strong analytical mind (grounded in a mathematics background) and passion for writing and language make him a force to reckon with.
Chris works with business leaders and union and non-union organizations to solve workplace legal problems and achieve long-term solutions that align with his client’s values. He is a dedicated advisor and an experienced courtroom advocate with a track record of success.
There is no workplace issue that Chris will not help with. His expertise covers the entire life cycle of the employer/employee relationship: drafting and advising on employment contracts and workplace policies, conducting workplace investigations, WorkSafeBC and occupational health & safety, dismissal planning advice and severance packages, negotiation and mediation of employment disputes, injunctions to protect confidential information or enforce non-solicits or non-competes, and representation in wrongful dismissal, employment standards, or human rights complaints. Chris also advises employers on staying non-union and helps his union clients with certification, bargaining, labour relations matters under the collective agreement, and grievance arbitrations.
Chris is comfortable navigating the many different arenas of workplace law: all levels of provincial and federal court, the Labour Relations (BC) and Canada Industrial Relations Board and administrative tribunals such as the Human Rights Tribunal, Employment Standards Tribunal, Workers Compensation Appeal Tribunal (WCAT), and Social Security Tribunal. Chris has also successfully challenged administrative decisions through judicial reviews and appeals.
Chris was recently recognized as 5-Star Employment Lawyers, “Best Employment Lawyer and Law Firm” across Canada in 2023 by the prestigious Canadian HR Reporter. He was also a Repeatedly Recommended lawyer for Vancouver Leading Practitioners – Employers in the 2021 and 2023 Canadian Legal Lexpert Directory, and in 2022, he was a Business Person of the Year Finalist at the Business Excellence Awards by Surrey Board of Trade.
Chris is a strong believer in community and giving back to the profession. He serves as the President of the Greater Langley Chamber of Commerce and on the Policy Review Committee of the BC Chamber. He is also the Chair on the Executive of the Employment Law Section of the Canadian Bar Association BC. He is regularly sought after for speaking engagements and seminars.
In his free time, Chris can be found skiing on the slopes of Whistler, powerlifting in his garage, listening to Miles Davis, or playing the drums for “Lost & Loaded” a cover band of legal professionals that pretend to be rockstars
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