Does HR have to be present to fire someone?

Asked by: Dillan Yost I  |  Last update: April 19, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (23 votes)

This may vary depending on a specific company and its organizational structure and culture, but generally the following parties should be present when an employee is terminated: The employee's direct supervisor or manager. A third-party witness (for example, the manager's manager or a human resources (HR) professional)

Does HR need to be present for a termination?

Yes. HR should undoubtedly be present in every termination meeting. Their role as professionals in the matter is vital, especially if there is any contention over the dismissal.

Can you fire someone without HR approval?

California is generally an “at-will” state, meaning either the employer or employee can terminate the employment at any time for any reason or no reason.

Who should be present when terminating an employee?

Have a witness in the room, such as the employee's manager or other HR representative. Communicate the reasons for termination, highlighting the supporting documentation. Keep it short, be direct, and avoid a lengthy discussion.

Does HR have to fire people?

HR gets its power from the top. They are endowed by the company president (or whoever is in charge.) So, if HR can fire employees against the will of the employees' managers, that power comes from the president or CEO, and that can be revoked. In other words, HR only has the final say when the CEO grants it.

What are the do’s and don’ts during a termination conversation?

34 related questions found

Can HR fire you without proof?

Under at-will employment, HR can terminate employees without needing proof or a reason. This means they may end employment at any time.

Does HR have power over the manager?

HR Does Not Make Decisions For The Company

First of all, HR has an advisory role in the organization; contrary to popular belief among employees, HR assists line managers and executives in the strategic decision-making process but does not make them by themselves.

Does HR need to be present during a write-up?

You have a witness, if necessary (if the employee is being written up for behavioral issues, it might be helpful to have another manager or an HR employee present when you deliver the write-up at work).

Who has the authority to terminate an employee?

California Is an “At-Will” State

This means that all employers have the right to terminate employees at will, for almost any reason, or for no reason at all. This does not, however, mean that an employer can fire someone out of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation.

What not to say in termination?

11 Things You Should Never Say When Firing an Employee
  • “This is really hard for me.” ...
  • “I'm not sure how to say this.” ...
  • “We've decided to let you go.” ...
  • “We've decided to go in a different direction.” ...
  • “We'll work out the details later.” ...
  • “Compared to Susan, your performance is subpar.”

What is HR's role in the termination process?

When it comes to terminating employees, HR can help shape the process, guide the conversation and minimize potential damage to both company and employee. But it can't assume the responsibility nor make the task pleasant for anyone involved.

Can HR fire you without warning?

For most workers, the answer to “Can you be fired without warning in California?” is yes. Employers are generally not required to give employees any notice before terminating them. This is part of the at-will employment doctrine that allows employers to end the employment relationship at any time.

What is illegal for HR to do?

It is illegal to harass an employee because of race, color, religion, sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation, and pregnancy), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.

Is HR present when you get fired?

During the termination, a member of the HR department should be in attendance. The representative may present to the terminated employee the reasons for the firing, or a supervisor may do so while the HR representative takes notes and observes. HR is meant to serve as a neutral third party.

What is always required when an employer terminates an employee?

Under California law, employers must provide notice to employees before termination. For employees who have been employed for less than one year, the notice period is at least 90 days. For employees who have been employed for more than one year, the notice period is at least 60 days.

Who makes the decision to fire someone?

The employer is free to fire employees for good cause, bad cause or even no cause, and the employee is also free to resign or cease work. Just because there is an employment contract, it does not necessarily mean that employment will continue: there is no guarantee.

Who should be present for termination?

Another step in preparing for a termination is to have the correct people at the meeting. The employee's direct supervisor should certainly be there, and possibly the supervisor's manager.

Can HR fire you without your manager?

The HR managers oversee the termination while processing documents to legally sever the employee-employer relationship. The HR manager only manages the process and is rarely the decision maker for the firing. The decision to terminate an employee mostly always comes from their manager or supervisor.

What are my rights if I get fired?

Workers' Rights After Being Fired

If you have already been fired, you still have rights under California law. For example, upon termination, your employer is required to provide your final paycheck immediately or within a specified time frame, depending on whether you were fired or quit voluntarily.

What not to say when talking to HR?

Like talking about your coworkers, talking about your boss can land you in hot water with HR. It doesn't make any sense to discuss anything that can be mistaken for discrimination in any way.

Do you have to be written up before being fired?

In the United States, most employers hire employees under at-will agreements. This means that employers can legally fire their employees for nearly any reason, at any time, and without warning. At the same time, employees are also legally able to quit without warning or reason.

Does HR have to be present at a disciplinary hearing?

HR personnel can attend disciplinary hearings in a supporting role, or potentially in a note taking capacity. However, as noted above, the important point is that the HR adviser does not make or directly influence the decisions. It should be made clear to the employee what HR's role is in the process.

Does HR have the power to fire?

Can HR fire you? The simple answer is, Yes! Companies have been known to use human resource personnel to conduct terminations. Generally, most companies use a combination of a manager and a human resource employee to conduct the termination.

Is HR ever on your side?

HR is Not Your Friend

Regardless of how an employer brands its Human Resources department, the reality is, that for many employees, the Human Resources department is not your friend. The Human Resources department isn't necessarily an enemy, but it isn't an advocate either.

Can a manager override HR?

The head of HR usually reports to the CEO, so unless it's a position high enough that the CEO is personally involved in the hiring process and can override HR, there's nothing you can do.