How to write an email to fire someone

Do not fire an employee using any electronic method—no emails, IMs, voicemails, or phone calls. Even a letter is inappropriate when you fire an employee. When you fire an employee, give them the courtesy that you would extend to any human being. They deserve a face-to-face meeting.

Can You Get Fired by Email or a Phone Call? Most employees in the U.S. are covered under employment at will, which means that they can be fired for any reason or no reason at all. Employers can fire employees over the phone, by paper letter or email, in person — or yes, even by sending a text message.

“It’s a natural human thing to want to say ‘I’m sorry,’” says Grote. But when it comes to firing a poor performer, he recommends couching your regret in terms where “personal responsibility lies squarely on the individual.” He suggests saying something like, “’I’m sorry that the situation has gotten to this point.

The most likely grounds for immediate termination involve serious misconduct issues, such as: Grossly inappropriate work performance. This might include inappropriate use of company resources, violating rules regarding email and telephone use and chronic attendance issues. Endangering the company or other employees.

It’s theoretically better for your reputation if you resign because it makes it look like the decision was yours and not your company’s. However, if you leave voluntarily, you may not be entitled to the type of unemployment compensation you might be able to receive if you were fired.