Employee Termination Letter (Sample Letters & Examples)

Terminating an employee is usually very stressful for everyone involved. However, though not easy, involuntary employee turnover is inevitable. Therefore, handling the termination process is just as crucial as the hiring and on boarding processes. If you are considering terminating an employee, then it is essential to send a letter of termination.

A termination letter is a formal letter confirming the details of the firing of an employee. It summarizes a list of the information that the employee being terminated will need to know and explains any benefits or compensation they shall receive after termination.

You should use a termination letter if or when:

• You want to document the circumstances of the termination
• It is your company’s policy to do so
• Your state legally requires it
• Providing the employee with the necessary information to help them have a smooth transition.

This depends on the state where your company does business. All states have rules on the termination of employees that you are well-advised to follow. However, in most states, no laws direct that you must issue a termination letter to your employees.

Employee Information

When writing a termination letter include basic information such as:

• Full name
• Employee ID
• Position/title
• Company name
• Name of the person handling the termination
• Date of termination

Reason(S) For Employee Termination

There are various reasons why you could be terminating an employee. Some of the common reasons include:

• Without Cause: this refers to employee termination as a result of company downsizing and more substantial market factors that are unrelated to individual employee performance.
• With Cause: termination with Cause refers to the termination of an individual employee’s based on their performance and behavior
• End of Business Contract: Just like the name suggests, this type of termination is usually as a result of an end to a contract between two parties.

Return of Company Property

In case an employee is required to return any company property, you must include a list of all the things they are needed to return in the termination letter. These may consist of; cell phones, building pass, vehicles, etc.

Compensations And Benefits Going Forward

The next thing to include in a termination letter is explaining how the employee’s compensation and benefits shall be effected upon the termination of their employment. Depending on what state your business is in, you may be required to pay out unused vacation time. You should also inform them of how their health care, life insurance, and retirement funds will be effected upon their termination.

Remind Them of Signed Agreements

In most cases, an employee will sign a non-disclosure agreement and other related documents during the onboarding phase. You should inform the employees of such contracts and attach a copy to go with the letter.

Include HR/Manager Contact Information

Include the contact details for the specific manager/HR representative before signing off, to make it easy for them to follow up on their benefits and any other information that they may need to be clarified.

• Severance to waive legal claims: Severance to waive legal claims may be seen as a sign of weakness by your employee. This may raise concerns as to whether they are wrongfully terminated or whether that is a way of the company avoiding legal issues. It is good to negotiate after the termination letter has been delivered without the potential for legal claims on the employee’s mind.
• Protected Characteristics: Protected characteristic is typically anything that could be discriminated against. These include information such as health, sex, age, pregnancy, and disability. It would be best if you do not consider these factors when hiring; neither should you find them when firing.
• Familiar Language: Maintain professionalism at all times. Include only factual information and avoid phrases such as:
  • You’d probably prefer a less stressful job anyway
  • Consider this as a chance to spend more time with your child
  • Now is a great time to retire anyway
  • Look on the bright side.

A termination letter plays a significant role in both the employer and the employee. The main reason for sending a termination letter is to avoid any problems that may arise after termination.

The terminated employee will have to use the termination letter to claim for unemployment insurance and any other federal state benefits. Without this letter, they may be denied any access to such benefits that can make a huge difference in their unemployed life.

The termination letter will also serve as part of your defense if the employee files a complaint against the reasons for termination. Without a termination letter, you may find yourself as an employer being liable for thousands, if not millions of dollars.

Terminating an employee is never an easy process. Even after providing a termination letter, there are other things you must always consider before deciding to let go of an employee.

• Provide verbal or written notice to an employee about any unacceptable behavior so that the employee is aware of their mistakes and may not act surprised when you decide to let them go.
• Include a witness when sitting down with the employee to go over the termination letter before letting them go.
• It is recommended to talk to the employee’s face to face when terminating them rather than terminating them via electronic means such as text, voice message or emails
• Prepare a detailed statement on why you are terminating the employee and avoid going into details in an attempt to explain the firing.
• Avoid any arguments as possible with the employee when discussing the termination letter.
• Don’t make the decision to terminate an employee by equating them to other employees.