Remote termination of an employment agreement can be done either unilaterally (with or without notice) or by mutual agreement of the parties. A termination agreement is reached if both parties acknowledge the agreement (this includes via videoconference or teleconference). A written form is not required.
However, verbal agreements may be understood differently between employer and employee and (contrary to intentions) bring about conflicts. Therefore, during a video or phone discussion, the employee should receive the termination agreement and confirm by email that he or she enters into the agreement.
In the case of amending agreements, employers should also remember that the amendment should be provided to the employee in writing or by email – with an electronic signature. However, this is only a confirmation of an act that has already been performed.
When sending a termination notice by email, employers should remember to:
Each remote dismissal must be carefully planned. During a telephone or video call, different unpredictable situations may occur (for example, the employee may hang up). The caller needs to know how to behave in different situations.