Managing Human Resources, Eight Edition

Types of Employee Separations

Employee separations can be divided into two categories. Voluntary separations are initiated by the employee. Involuntary separations are initiated by the employer. To protect themselves against legal challenges by former employees, employers must manage involuntary separations very carefully with a well-documented paper trail.

Voluntary Separations

Voluntary separations occur when an employee decides, for personal or professional reasons, to end the relationship with the employer. The decision could be based on the employee obtaining a better job, changing careers, or wanting more time for family or leisure activities. Alternatively, the decision could be based on the employee finding the present job unattractive ...