Hiring and Firing
Hiring and firing are two main aspects of business and have been for hundreds of years. Hiring and firing occurs on a daily basis and sometimes for no reason whatsoever. Hiring is defined as the addition of workers to provide services for a company while firing is defined as the reduction of workers that have not properly provided services for a company. Hiring and firing fall under the contract entered into between employer and employees known as employment. This contract can be terminated by either party involved at any point of the contract.
An employee can quit a job after giving, requested by most employers, two week’s notice. This is usually done when the employee is leaving one company to work at another company. An employee can also quit on the spot if unsatisfied with their job or if they are not being treated properly at work and filing complaints hasn’t done anything to change that. An employer may terminate the contract at anytime during an employee’s 90-day probationary period or anytime after that for no reason at all.
Hiring usually takes place over an extended period of time. Sometimes, a company will go on a hiring spree over a span of a couple of months but then have their hiring abilities frozen for a set amount of time. So, if a company is looking for employees, it will post open positions on job boards across the country and in local newspapers as well. Once the company narrows down the number of applicants to the people they wish to speak with, they will begin their interview process.
Prospective employees will be interviewed once, twice or even three times by the employer about their previous work history, education and references. Once an interviewee is offered a job, they can decide whether or not to accept the position. If he or she does accept the position they then begin filling out all of the paperwork required to become an employee with that respective company.
Each new employee is usually under a 90-day probationary period with their new company where their immediate supervisor analyzes the work they perform and how effective they are at this new job. Once the 90-day probationary period is complete, the employer decides to keep the employee on full-time or relieve them of their duties. If the employee is relieved of his or her duties, this begins the firing process.
Firing involves more than just removing a person from their job because they are not performing their assigned duties as described by the employee handbook or the contract they signed upon their joining the company.
An employee can be fired for insubordination, sexual harassment, drug abuse, alcohol abuse, physical violence, threats against the company or its employees, refusing to perform duties assigned, refusing to show up at work, as well as other mitigating factors.
The hiring process does not have to be conducted solely by a specific company looking for employees. There are agencies throughout the United States that are built on finding people jobs. They are now as staffing agencies. If someone is looking for a job, they can submit their resume and work experience with these agencies, who then try to find the best fit for that person at a local company.
Many companies will hire the services of a staffing agency to fill open positions at their offices if they do not have enough time on their hands to fulfill the hiring process themselves.
Other staffing agencies for employment are known as temp agencies. Temporary workers are workers that are hired by companies to work anywhere from a couple of days to six months or more. It is understood at the point of hire that the job does not last more than the specified amount of time and at the end of that time period the employee will need to find employment elsewhere. Temp agencies provide companies with temporary workers on a regular basis.
Hiring and firing keeps the business world running and keeps the flow of employees going at a normal pace day in and day out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I be fired without a reason in Pennsylvania?
In many cases, yes. Pennsylvania follows at-will employment, meaning an employer can terminate employment at any time, unless it violates the law or a contract.
What is wrongful termination?
Wrongful termination occurs when an employee is fired for illegal reasons, such as discrimination, retaliation, or violating an employment agreement.
Can I quit my job without notice?
Yes. While many employers request two weeks’ notice, employees are generally not legally required to provide notice before leaving a job.
What is a probationary period at work?
A probationary period is typically the first 90 days of employment, during which an employer evaluates a new employee’s performance and fit for the role.
What are common reasons an employee can be fired?
Employees may be terminated for reasons such as poor performance, misconduct, policy violations, or failure to meet job expectations.
Can I be fired for reporting workplace issues?
No. Employers cannot legally terminate employees in retaliation for reporting discrimination, harassment, or other unlawful workplace conduct.
What should I do if I believe I was wrongfully terminated?
You should speak with an attorney to review your situation and determine whether your rights may have been violated.
Are employers required to follow a specific hiring process?
No. Hiring practices vary by employer, but they often include applications, interviews, and background checks.
What are staffing agencies and how do they work?
Staffing agencies help match job seekers with employers and may place workers in temporary or permanent positions.
When should I contact an employment attorney?
You should contact an attorney if you believe your termination was unlawful, your rights were violated, or you have concerns about workplace treatment.