What do you say when an employee is terminated?

Asked by: Demetris Mayer  |  Last update: July 19, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (53 votes)

Less is more, so stick to simple language, such as “John no longer works here” or “It's Maggie's last day.” You can say that you wish the person well on their future endeavors, but don't praise their past performance. That would sound disingenuous, and you don't want to risk losing the trust of your team.

What is the best wording for termination of employment?

Termination Letter for Performance Issues

It is with regret that I must inform you of our decision to terminate your employment with (Company Name), effective (termination date). This decision has been made after careful consideration of your performance and its impact on our team and company goals.

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.”

How to start the conversation when terminating an employee?

8 Top Tips for Dismissing an Employee with Care
  1. Brief greeting.
  2. Give notice.
  3. State and explain reasons.
  4. Wait for the employee's reaction and respond in kind.
  5. Clarify next steps.
  6. Arrange follow-up discussion.

How do you say an employee is no longer with the company?

For an employee resignation, this could be stating, “[Full Name] is moving on to a role outside of the company.” Or, “[Full Name] is leaving the company to pursue further education.” In some cases, you can choose to be transparent about layoffs—especially when it's already out in the open.

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

35 related questions found

What to say to staff when an employee is terminated?

Less is more, so stick to simple language, such as “John no longer works here” or “It's Maggie's last day.” You can say that you wish the person well on their future endeavors, but don't praise their past performance. That would sound disingenuous, and you don't want to risk losing the trust of your team.

How do you professionally say that's not my job anymore?

Tip #2: Say “this is not my job” in a polite and professional way
  • Option #1: “I would love to help, but I don't have the capacity.” ...
  • Option #2: “I would love to help, but I don't feel competent enough.” ...
  • Option #3: “I don't feel comfortable taking on this task.” ...
  • Option #4: “I can't help you due to personal reasons.”

What is a good script for terminating an employee?

"Hi [Name], thanks for meeting with me today. I have some difficult news to share. I asked you here because we need to discuss your employment with [Company]. This isn't easy to say, but we've made the decision to terminate your position effective [Date]."

How to respond to termination of employment?

Follow these steps to write a thank you letter when you have been let go:
  1. Take time to let your emotions settle. ...
  2. Write your letter formally. ...
  3. Send a physical copy. ...
  4. Address the situation directly. ...
  5. Express gratitude for the opportunity. ...
  6. Keep it brief. ...
  7. Sign off respectfully.

How to fire an employee gracefully?

Make it clear that the working relationship is over, explain next steps, and provide the necessary paperwork. Be firm. The employee might get upset or ask for another chance—after all, nobody thinks they should be fired. Don't let yourself be swayed once you've decided.

Should HR be present during 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.

Why is Friday the worst day to fire someone?

Fridays and Mondays may not be best

The employee may stew about their emotions over the weekend. It can give other workers anxiety, as they may not have heard why their colleague got let go. It gives workers less time to communicate with their managers about what's next.

What makes a termination wrongful?

A termination is wrongful if the employer-based their decision to fire the employee on the employee's race, religion, age, sex, or other legally protected personal quality.

What can I say instead of terminated?

  • stop.
  • cease.
  • end.
  • expire.
  • conclude.
  • halt.
  • pass.
  • discontinue.

How do you write a termination message?

Dear [Employee Name], We regretfully inform you that your employment with [Company Name] will be terminated effective [Termination Date]. After careful analysis of your work and attitude, we have determined that terminating your job is in the company's best interests.

How do you professionally explain termination?

Keep it short but positive. If you were terminated for job performance issues, state the reason and what steps you've made to improve yourself since. Example: If you were terminated for failing to meet a monthly sales quota, you can explain the situation like this: "Let go for failing to meet selling standards.

What to say to an employee who is being terminated?

Be direct when stating that the employee is being terminated, as you don't want there to be any confusion on this front. Provide some explanation for your decision: Briefly mention a policy or expectation the employee has broken or notify them that they are being laid off.

What is the best answer for termination?

Here are six helpful steps to take to explain a termination when a potential employer presents you with the question:
  1. Know what you can say. ...
  2. Leave emotion out of it. ...
  3. Be honest and direct. ...
  4. Accept responsibility. ...
  5. Discuss what you learned. ...
  6. Reiterate why you are the best fit.

What are my rights if I am terminated?

If you are fired or laid off, your employer must pay all wages due to you immediately upon termination (California Labor Code Section 201). If you quit, and gave your employer 72 hours of notice, you are entitled on your last day to all wages due.

What not to do when terminating an employee?

How To Fire An Employee: 12 Things You Should Never Do
  1. 1) Fire An Employee By Electronic Means. ...
  2. 2) Surprise Them. ...
  3. 3) Fire The Employee By Yourself. ...
  4. 4) Compare The Employee To Someone Else. ...
  5. 5) Explain The Firing. ...
  6. 6) Get Into An Argument. ...
  7. 7) Give The Employee A Reason To Think The Decision Isn't Final.

What are other words for employee termination?

Synonyms of layoff
  • dismissal.
  • firing.
  • furlough.
  • axe.
  • ax.
  • discharge.
  • redundancy.
  • downsizing.

How do you say goodbye to a terminated employee?

It is difficult to say goodbye, but I wish you all the best for the future. I am grateful for what you have done for this company. The team will not be the same without you! It's been an honor to have you as a part of our team and we shall miss your contributions.

How to professionally say someone is not doing their job?

How to tell an employee they're underperforming
  1. Find where expectations don't align.
  2. Schedule a one-on-one.
  3. Ask how they think they are performing first.
  4. Give specific examples.
  5. Connect their goals to the expectations.
  6. Share the why.
  7. Be clear about expectations.
  8. Make a plan together.

What is a professional way to say you left a job?

I'm looking for career growth.”

The desire to move to a new level in your caree r is a common reason for leaving a job. Here's an example of how someone in this situation might explain why they're leaving:“I love my role and coworkers, but I've come to a point where there are no longer growth opportunities on my team.

How to professionally tell someone to stay in their lane?

I know this is a change from how things used to be, but I do need you to respect these boundaries.” If you want, you can add, “If you decide the job has evolved in a way where it's no longer for you, I'd certainly understand, but I hope that won't be the case.”