To do this over email?

[WellErrrr]

I run a business and have recently employed the services of a self employed marketing assistant. She has been coming into the office one day a week and the plan was for this to be long term. However - she’s not great unfortunately and has actually made quite a few mistakes in a short space of time which have ended up costing us. She is a lovely person though and very enthusiastic, but it can’t continue sadly.

I have managed to spread her tasks amongst other team members and no longer want to use her services. I discussed this with another senior staff member who said I need to do this over the phone. However, personally I’d rather have a kind email than be put on the spot out of the blue on an unexpected phone call. I’m not planning to list her shortcomings on the email, just thank her for her work and we don’t need her any more etc.

YABU - call her
YANBU - a kind email is fine

Anyone? 🙂

I think you should call. An email would obviously be much easier for you, but I think you owe her the courtesy of at least having a conversation with her.

You don't have to list her shortcomings in detail - I would be inclined to explain that you want to terminate the arrangement because it isn't really working for you. If she then presses for more details, you can either outline them on the phone or offer to send an email.

I would send an email & add that she's welcome to call if she wants to discuss it.

Phone out of courtesy. No need to be rude, just explain you don't need her services.

I run my own small business. In a similar situation, I would do it by phone but not go into any more detail than you are suggesting putting in your email. An email is very impersonal.

The only exception would be if you have a written contract with her which says that you need to give reasons/notice for ending the arrangement, in which case that should be done in writing (email) although I would still phone first.

However, is there no way to mentor/coach her for a bit (limited time) to see if her performance improves? Finding someone lovely and enthusiastic is quite rare!

Why not email to briefly explain and arrange a time to call? Then follow up with email.

I’d call but tell her you will follow up on an email.

Phone call, then follow up with an email.

Email, no matter how kind, is the cowardly way out.

I would call then, put everything in an email.

Thank you.

Just for context:

• I am not a business person. I’ve been pushed into running this family business by circumstance. Not that that lets me off being a coward, but I’m doing my best.
• I am almost hyperventilating at the thought of calling. I will mess it up. I will say the wrong thing. I will promise to create a role, or waffle, or upset her. I’m terrible at this.
• Personally I’d hate to be called.

I suppose I was just posting to hope that it would be ok to email. ☹️

There’s no way to ‘manage’ this situation, I don’t want to into details as it would be outing but she is fundamentally not right for the business and definitely over-promised on her skill sets.

To be honest although I said best to call it is also acceptable to email, if you are really uncomfortable with phone call then put everything in writing over an email and say she can call you if she has any questions

I work in a similar way. Due to funding I am "let go" on occasion I'd ALWAYS prefer an email and it tends to be how it's done

Nothing wrong with email imo

Your situation/feelings/how you got into this isn't the issue here. It is about her.

"Hi Jenny, I am calling to say that as of DATE, we will unfortunately not be needing your services any more. I will follow up with a written confirmation for your records. Thanks for your work to date."

She's probably not going to want a long chat after that anyway. But if so, make sure its at a time where you can conveniently have another appointment to go to in the next 5-10 mins.

Kindly - suck it up.

You need to call but prepare some phrases so that you do not get sidetracked. “Unfortunately we are not finding your work as useful anticipated”, “I understand what you are saying but this no longer works for our business”,” I am giving notice today that as of x date we will be terminating the contract and you service will not be required”(and send an email confirming this), “I am sorry you feel that way but my mind is made up”., “I will confirm this conversation by email”. Try to keep it brief and bring the call to an end if she starts digressing.

I don't have any advice really. But I just want to say how refreshing that someone is so considerate.

An email is absolutely fine..just do exactly what you planned to do. It's a business arrangement and can be dealt with it like one.

I’d just email tbh.

Don’t call unless you’re comfortable answering questions that she may have on the spot. Unless you’re really good at saying I will check and come back to you.

She might be fine, or she might be upset, or she might want to agree a reference etc. I’d personally rather deal with whatever her reaction may be via email.

She is not an employee, she is a supplier whose services you have used and no longer want to
Be professional and suger coat it a bit if it makes you feel better but its purely a business decision so approach it like that.
Email is fine

I hate phone calls, and would much prefer an email. I don't know why people always insist you should call someone, not everyone wants that.

Another problem with email is that she’s already proven herself to be inefficient. What if one of the things she’s lax about is picking up emails? It would be terrible if she turned up for her office day not realising you had ended the agreement. With a call there’s no ambiguity.

I would be gutted if I was sacked by email.

Is there a reason I'm missing why the only options are by email or over the phone? You say she comes in one day a week? Surely in person should be the preferred option?

Just email if that works for you, there are no firm rules. If you think the call may get difficult safer to email.

I also think if I were in her shoes, I’d prefer to be given the heads up a month in advance, ie tell her the work is winding down via an informal call at that point.

but now you’re at the point where you’re relinquishing her, it’s too late to give her the heads up. So now there’s no benefit to having the call vs the email. I’d prefer to get the information in this scenario over email so I can process it privately.

if I was a contractor or whatever, I’d be right on the phone trying to secure new opportunities. I wouldn’t want to awkwardly stay on the phone with the client who doesn’t want my services.

Self-employed person here! (Also reluctantly so through circumstance, so huge sympathies with your predicament!)

@WellErrrr I would MUCH PREFER an honest and direct email with some feedback/rationale for why you no longer want to use my services than a phone call.

This person is not a member of staff, she's a service provider, so the relationship is not the same. You're not their boss, just a client.