Termination Without a Reason: Why Lawyers Love It, and How Smart Employers Protect Themselves

Many business owners believe “at-will employment” means that when firing someone, not giving a reason is more protective than giving one. In this episode, Paul Edwards and Jennie (Director of Compliance at CEDR HR Solutions and former employment attorney) dismantle that myth and explain why “no reason given” can be one of the fastest ways to invite legal trouble.

They break down real-world termination mistakes, why vague or abrupt firings often push employees straight to a lawyer, and how even legitimate issues (like tardiness or performance) can start to look like discrimination when you don’t communicate clearly. You’ll also hear why coaching and documentation matter, and how to keep termination conversations respectful, brief, and defensible. You’ll learn:

• Why your at-will status alone isn’t a legal shield
• How “no reason” can support create discrimination claims after the fact
• What lawyers looking to sure hate to find in the employee's record
• How to run a clear, respectful, defensible termination meeting

Have an HR situation you want Paul to unpack on the show? Record a voice memo and send it to podcast@WTHJustHappened.com. Learn more at WTHJustHappened.com.

CEDR HR Solutions is here to help when your HR issues leave you thinking, “What the hell just happened?!”

Learn more here: CEDR HR Solutions

Or give them a call (866) 414-6056

• Why “surprise” employee exits are rarely sudden
• Common management missteps that drive quiet disengagement
• How to spot early warning signs before turnover hits
• Practical steps leaders can take to reduce unexpected staffing gaps
• What to do when an employee leaves without explanation

Whether you’re a small business owner or a people manager handling HR issues daily, this conversation offers clear, actionable insights to help you protect your team and your business from surprise turnover.

CEDR HR Solutions is here to help when your HR issues leave you thinking, “What the hell just happened?!”

Learn more here: CEDR HR Solutions

Or give them a call (866) 414-6056

Paul Edwards gets cheesy with this episode of What the Hell Just Happened?! With a totally new topic - Pizza. He does still answer a listener HR question at the end, however, this episode is a break from the typical HR content we typically share and gets into something more fun - how to make the perfectly imperfect pizza. Join Paul Edwards and Eileen Lyons as they share their culinary wisdom around all things pizza and take a mental break from all you’ve been holding onto this Tuesday.

Recipe for Paul’s Not-Perfect Dough:

Ingredients:

• All Purpose Flour 700gr.
• Semolena Flour 71 grms
• Instant Yeast 3gr.
• Water 501
• Oil 23.5
• Sugar 7.7gr.
• Salt 19 gr.

Instructions:

Mix all ingredients except for salt.

12 total minutes mixing. Let dough mix for about 6 minutes at medium speed in a stand mixer. Then let it rest for about two minutes before adding salt for the remaining 6 minutes.

Turn dough out on a lightly floured counter. Form a large ball and then cover and let it double in size.

Punch down and split into four balls. Place covered in the fridge for 48 hours to proof.

You can use them or wrap in saran wrap and freeze.

Recipe for Paul’s Pizza Sauce:

Ingredients:

• Quarter of a medium onion, minced
• Seeded tomato sauce: Paul recommends a puréed style like Mutti, as removing seeds helps prevent heartburn
• Olive oil: About 3-4 tablespoons
• Finely minced garlic: 2-3 cloves
• Dried oregano
• Dry red pepper flakes: A pinch to taste (don't overpower the dough)
• Fennel is mentioned for Italian sausage flavor but not explicitly in this sauce recipe

Instructions:

Heat olive oil in a deep sauce pot over medium-high heat

Cook minced onions until translucent (1-2 minutes)

Add chopped garlic and cook for about a minute (don't fry too long to avoid bitterness)

Add red pepper flakes and salt; cook together briefly

Turn off the heat, add the tomato sauce, stir, then turn the heat back on low for another 2-3 minutes

Adjust seasonings to taste

The sauce can be refrigerated for 2-3 weeks, but be mindful that garlic can cause food poisoning if left too long.

In this episode of What the Hell Just Happened?!, Paul Edwards and Grace Godlasky discuss how core values can improve your business and your workplace culture. Join them as they discuss the importance of understanding and having core values. This week, episode 104 of What the Hell Just Happened?! is about how core values for your business can unify a growing team and help solidify your business reputation and your name in the community.

Better workplaces make better lives.

Important Links for this Episode:

• Blog from CEDR on core values and workplace culture.

Our podcast sponsor, CEDR HR Solutions, knows there’s a better, easier way to HR. With our industry-leading approach, we support over 3,000 small and medium businesses across the country through custom handbooks, one-on-one HR coaching, and education. From HIPAA training to our expansive software, backstageHR, our affordable and tailored approach enables you to address any issue with ease.

In this episode of What the Hell Just Happened?!, CEDR CEO and Founder Paul Edwards is joined by Grace Godlasky to share the three prongs of a successful business, and actionable steps you can take to grow your company with a solid foundation through things like core values and a mission.

Paul Edwards and Grace Godlasky also discuss:

• The reason for core values and why it’s important to have them and make sure your team understands them.
• What happens to the patient experience when your team does not follow your core values or when you do not have them, and how that impacts your business.
• A few of CEDR’s core values and what they mean to us
• How core values can be applied to run your business in your absence or in the wake of a busy season.

If you are a business owner or an office manager looking to simplify your HR process and you are not already subscribed to our HR Insider Newsletter, you need to click here to start receiving the most current, updated information for your office.

Be sure to tune in every other Tuesday and listen to past episodes to get informed about tons of HR tips and best practices.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed today’s episode, please make sure to share this episode on LinkedIn or with your team, and don’t forget to follow, share, and rate the show on your preferred listening platform.

Email questions or comments for Paul at podcast@wthjusthappened.com

You can connect with us here:

Website

LinkedIn

Instagram

Facebook

In this episode of What the Hell Just Happened?!, Paul Edwards and CeCe Wilson discuss how rapid growth can both be exciting, but also lead to compliance concerns. Join them as they discuss the importance of having a handbook and knowing the laws around being a business owner. This week, episode 105 of What the Hell Just Happened?! is about how Med Spas experience rapid growth and the negative impacts of that success.

Better workplaces make better lives.

Important Links for this Episode:

• Blog from CEDR on rapid growth and compliance concerns

Our podcast sponsor, CEDR HR Solutions, knows there’s a better, easier way to HR. With our industry-leading approach, we support over 3,000 small and medium businesses across the country through custom handbooks, one-on-one HR coaching, and education. From HIPAA training to our expansive software, backstageHR, our affordable and tailored approach enables you to address any issue with ease.

In this episode of What the Hell Just Happened?!, CEDR CEO and Founder Paul Edwards is joined by CeCe Wilson to share the legal risks around rapid growth and success, and actionable steps you can take to correct your mistakes and move forward with confidence.

Paul Edwards and CeCe Wilson also discuss:

• Mara, a Med Spa owner who rapidly grew her Med Spa and is now struggling with compliance issues now that she’s expanding.
• The importance of a good handbook, and hiring/onboarding processes, and as much foundational structures as possible to grow successfully and compliantly.
• The importance of hiring on CEDR HR Solutions to help you get started on the right foot with people in your corner who can help you scale successfully and legally.
• What core values encourage in leadership roles at your practice.

If you are a business owner or an office manager looking to simplify your HR process and you are not already subscribed to our HR Insider Newsletter, you need to click here to start receiving the most current, updated information for your office.

Be sure to tune in every other Tuesday and listen to past episodes to get informed about tons of HR tips and best practices.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed today’s episode, please make sure to share this episode on LinkedIn or with your team, and don’t forget to follow, share, and rate the show on your preferred listening platform.

Email questions or comments for Paul at podcast@wthjusthappened.com

You can connect with us here:

Website

LinkedIn

Instagram

Facebook

In this episode of What the Hell Just Happened?!, Paul Edwards and CeCe Wilson explore the pros and cons of quirky interview questions—and why they might be doing more harm than good in your hiring process. Join them as they discuss the importance of asking smart, strategic questions that actually help you find the right candidate. This week, episode 104 of What the Hell Just Happened?! breaks down the impact of quirky interview questions on hiring success.

Better workplaces make better lives.

Important Links for this Episode:

• Behavioral Interview Questions
• Where Interview Questions Come From
• How to Prepare for Interviews
• FREE Guide: Hiring Guide

Our podcast sponsor, CEDR HR Solutions, knows there’s a better, easier way to HR. With our industry-leading approach, we support over 3,000 small and medium businesses across the country through custom handbooks, one-on-one HR coaching, and education. From HIPAA training to our expansive software, backstageHR, our affordable and tailored approach enables you to address any issue with ease.

In this episode of What the Hell Just Happened?!, CEDR CEO and Founder Paul Edwards is joined by CeCe Wilson to share insights on unusual interview questions they’ve encountered, plus practical tips to develop strong behavioral interview questions and stay consistent in your hiring process.

Paul Edwards and CeCe Wilson also discuss:

• Why high-performing candidates are often put off by quirky interview questions.
• How these questions typically fail to assess job-related skills.
• Why behavioral interview questions are a far more effective alternative for hiring top talent.

If you are a business owner or an office manager looking to simplify your HR process and you are not already subscribed to our HR Insider Newsletter, you need to click here to start receiving the most current, updated information for your office.

Be sure to tune in every other Tuesday and listen to past episodes to get informed about tons of HR tips and best practices.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed today’s episode, please make sure to share this episode on LinkedIn or with your team, and don’t forget to follow, share, and rate the show on your preferred listening platform.

Email questions or comments for Paul at podcast@wthjusthappened.com

You can connect with us here:

Website

LinkedIn

Instagram

Facebook

In this episode of What the Hell Just Happened?!, Paul Edwards and CeCe Wilson discuss why they don’t like the standard Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs), and even how it could cause legal trouble for small businesses. Join them as they discuss the importance of creating performance expectations and holding your team accountable. This week, episode 103 of What the Hell Just Happened?! is about why PIPs are not the best approach for managing employee performance concerns.

Better workplaces make better lives.

Important Links for this Episode:

• Blog from CEDR on PIPs
• Progressive Corrective Coaching Methods Blog from CEDR

Our podcast sponsor, CEDR HR Solutions, knows there’s a better, easier way to HR. With our industry-leading approach, we support over 3,000 small and medium businesses across the country through custom handbooks, one-on-one HR coaching, and education. From HIPAA training to our expansive software, backstageHR, our affordable and tailored approach enables you to address any issue with ease.

In this episode of What the Hell Just Happened?!, CEDR CEO and Founder Paul Edwards is joined by CeCe Wilson to share the legal risks around PIPs, and actionable steps you can take to document performance corrections with employees.

Paul Edwards and CeCe Wilson also discuss:

• The legal risks associated with what happens when you don’t follow the performance plan or can’t show documentation that the PIP was followed.
• How PIPs fail to address the root cause of poor performance and can undermine the morale of the team.
• What to do instead of a PIP for better performance and more legal protections for you and your business.

If you are a business owner or an office manager looking to simplify your HR process and you are not already subscribed to our HR Insider Newsletter, you need to click here to start receiving the most current, updated information for your office.

Be sure to tune in every other Tuesday and listen to past episodes to get informed about tons of HR tips and best practices.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed today’s episode, please make sure to share this episode on LinkedIn or with your team, and don’t forget to follow, share, and rate the show on your preferred listening platform.

Email questions or comments for Paul at podcast@wthjusthappened.com

You can connect with us here:

Website

LinkedIn

Instagram

Facebook

This episode of What the Hell Just Happened?! dives into the compliance around immigration and I-9 forms so you are prepared should you have a visit to your workplace from ICE. Join Paul Edwards and his guest, Tiana Starke, as they discuss the importance of documentation around the right to work in the United States. This week, episode 102 of What the Hell Just Happened?! is about the I-9 and E-Verify documentation requirements of employers.

Better workplaces make better lives.

Important Links for this Episode:

• I-9 Webinar on E-Verify
• I-9 Readiness Blog by CEDR

Our podcast sponsor, CEDR HR Solutions, knows there’s a better, easier way to HR. With our industry-leading approach, we support over 3,000 small and medium businesses across the country through custom handbooks, one-on-one HR coaching, and education. From HIPAA training to our expansive software, backstageHR, our affordable and tailored approach enables you to address any issue with ease.

In this episode of What the Hell Just Happened?!, CEDR CEO and Founder Paul Edwards is joined by Tiana Starke to share the importance of staying compliant with I-9 forms and E-Verify, should you be in a state that requires that, and actionable steps you can take to correct your errors if you have not been completing these processes up until now.

Paul Edwards and Tiana Starke also discuss:

• Ensuring I-9 compliance, including what is expected of you as an employer and how to set up a new hire for success in completing this form correctly and on time.
• Understanding who is required to use E-Verify and what you need to know to complete this part of the onboarding process.
• How to correct past mistakes (and when not to), and how to move forward in compliance.

If you are a business owner or an office manager looking to simplify your HR process and you are not already subscribed to our HR Insider Newsletter, you need to click here to start receiving the most current, updated information for your office.

Be sure to tune in every other Tuesday and listen to past episodes to get informed about tons of HR tips and best practices.

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed today’s episode, please make sure to share this episode on LinkedIn or with your team, and don’t forget to follow, share, and rate the show on your preferred listening platform.

Email questions or comments for Paul at podcast@wthjusthappened.com

You can connect with us here:

Website

LinkedIn

Instagram

Facebook