“To everything there is a season…”
Turns out, that’s true in HR, too. There’s a *right time* for everything when it comes to managing people well.
⏲️ Performance reviews? Late January or early February—after the holiday haze clears.
⏲️Surprise drug tests? Mondays, of course.
(And for my restaurant clients —
⏲️Random bag searches to check for stolen goods? As an employee leaves work before their two days off.)
Early autumn is prime time for terminations.
Now, before you accuse me of being heartless, hear me out.
The *true* season for letting go of underperformers is longer than pumpkin spice season—but it definitely has an expiration date. Once Thanksgiving Week hits, the window starts to close fast. Because unless someone’s done something egregious—like theft, harassment, or violence—you’ll look like a real jerk firing someone during the holidays.
Here’s Why Timing Matters
When you terminate someone in late November or December, emotions run hot. Even employees who deserved to go will feel it more deeply.
And when your remaining staff sees you letting someone go right before the holidays, they’ll think you’re cold-hearted — even if they secretly agree the person had to go.
Perception matters. Culture matters. Timing matters.
So Here’s Your HR Reality Check
If you’ve been coaching an employee all year and they still can’t meet expectations, it’s time to make a decision. Can you live with their performance until January? Or is it time for one last good-faith effort—a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP)—to either turn things around or wrap things up by mid-November?
Don’t wait until turkeys go on sale to decide. By then, it’s too late for everyone involved.
Still Not Sure You’re Covered?
If you’ve got a chronically underperforming employee but aren’t sure your documentation is airtight, let’s talk. I’ll help you review what you have and spot any compliance gaps before you act. Schedule a free 20-minute consultation below and I’ll walk you through whether you’re protected—or exposed—before you make a move.
There’s still time to get your documentation in order… but not much.
