This isn’t what I would recommend actually saying, but it is what we’re actually thinking. It’s disappointing all the way around.

To text or not to text, that is the management question. The answer is TEXT. Yes, it is appropriate to text an employee work-based messages, up to and including termination.

Surrounded by some of the BEST human resources talent in the country, an enormous emphasis had been placed on me when I was a younger manager to put myself in the shoes of the employee on the chopping block. Are we communicating the performance needs and requirements clearly, are we coaching the best behaviors to drive those results, are we capturing and acknowledging whether or not the performer’s behaviors are changing, are we interpreting the results (good or bad) alongside the performer? And most importantly, are we being humane and professional about it all?

But what happens to these intentions when the performer suddenly ghosts us? We wake up eager to turn things around, but they’re simply GONE. Maybe they’re being honest with themselves and agree they cannot become what it is the business and its customers need? “Ah Jesus, I can’t take this guy breathing down my ass anymore. I’ll just work on my Fortnight and figure it out somehow.” Regardless, I had been taught to at least attempt to have an exit conversation. The professional element was important to preserve. Thank the employee for trying, confirm what their final decision is so you can formally terminate the relationship, and make a personal decision to spend your emotional energy on another teammate.

If they’re not going to be an adult and communicate professionally, then we need to just bite the bullet and send that final text. The goal transitions from being professional to making sure there’s no confusion. You’re out. Don’t come back. If you need anything, don’t come to me for it.

Where does this bring us? If we’re acknowledging that it can be acceptable to terminate employment via text, then it’s justifiable to work most other things out via text as well. This is where we are. Your call will get pushed to voicemail, but your text will be delivered, seen, and responded to. I’ve seen it time and time again. Just make sure you screen grab and file everything, because this is a new folder of manager-to-employee communications, and you will indeed need this content for the inevitable post-employment conflict.