Handling Unemployment Claims with Confidence

Tips for restaurant HR leaders and operators to respond more effectively—without wasting time or losing moneyYears ago, when I was leading HR at Potbelly, I got hit with an unemployment claim from a former team member who had clearly quit. They walked off the job and never came back, so I thought, “No write-up, no drama, easy win.” 

But then I read the claim response our manager submitted: “Employee left due to stress. Wasn’t a good fit.” 

That vague language cost us the case—and the company money. That moment stuck with me.

Because here’s the truth: Even when we’re right, if our documentation is weak or our response is unclear, we’re going to lose unemployment claims. And in a high-turnover industry like restaurants, that adds up quickly.

Let’s fix that.

Whether you’re a seasoned HR pro or a restaurant operator trying to wear every hat, here’s how to handle unemployment claims with clarity, confidence, and control.

The Reality of TurnoverTurnover is a…