10 Termination Email Sample Templates for Employers and Employees

Have you ever found yourself in a position where you had to send a termination email to an employee, but didn’t know how to go about it? The truth is, letting someone go is never easy, and finding the right words to convey your message with tact and diplomacy can be a daunting task, to say the least. But with a little help, you can craft a termination email that is both professional and compassionate. A termination email sample is a great place to start and a valuable resource to keep in your back pocket for when you need it most. Whether you’re terminating someone for poor performance or for any other reason, you can find examples of termination emails online and edit them as needed to ensure that you’re delivering your message in the best possible way. So if you find yourself in this difficult situation, don’t fret. Take advantage of the resources available to you, and deliver your message with confidence and grace.

The Best Structure for a Termination Email Sample

Terminating an employee is one of the toughest decisions that employers have to make. Whether it’s due to performance, budget cuts, or a shift in business strategy, it’s crucial to handle the termination in a professional and compassionate manner.

Writing a termination email can be even more challenging since you have to be clear, concise, and sensitive without leaving any room for misinterpretation. So, what is the best structure for a termination email sample?

Firstly, start with a clear and professional opening. This should be a statement of fact, without any sugar-coating or ambiguity. You want to ensure that the employee understands the situation straight away without having to read between the lines. Use a tone of voice that is professional and empathetic at the same time.

Next, mention the reason behind the termination. Be careful not to dwell on the negative aspects of the employee’s job performance; instead, focus on the reasons why this decision was made, whether it’s due to budget cutbacks or a shift in business direction. This reassures the employee that it’s not all down to their failings, and that it’s a strategic decision for the company in the long run.

Provide any relevant information that they need to know regarding their exit from the company. This may include details about their final pay, benefits, any remaining annual leave entitlements, and other relevant matters. You must always ensure that you provide accurate and complete information, to avoid any potential misunderstandings or legal disputes at a later stage.

You may want to add a little bit of personal touch to the email, to show that you and the company appreciate the employee’s contributions, even though it didn’t work out. This includes a line or two about how much you valued them while they were with the company and that the decision was not an easy one to make. Make it clear that it’s not a reflection of their character or value, but rather a business strategy decision.

End with wishing them all the best. This should be a short and simple line, but it emphasizes that the company cares about employee well-being, even in even the toughest times, and that they want them to succeed in their next venture. The tone of voice should still be empathetic and professional, to ensure that you end things on a positive note.

In conclusion, a termination email should be written in a clear and professional tone, without being too personal. The company should always be empathetic and show that the decision was not taken lightly, while at the same time, providing the terminated employee with all the information they need to process the decision and move forward. With the right structure, you can take care of your employees and keep your reputation as an ethical business.

Termination Email Samples

Termination Due to Poor Performance

Dear [Employee name],

I regret to inform you that we have made the difficult decision to terminate your employment with us due to your consistently poor performance. Despite our previous discussions and written warnings, you have not been able to meet the standards we require for the role.

Your low productivity, lack of attention to detail, and failure to meet deadlines have caused significant delays in our projects, impacting our business and our customers. We have tried to provide you with the necessary training and support, but unfortunately, we have not seen any improvement in your performance.

Please be assured that we will provide you with a reference that outlines your skills and qualifications, and the dates of your employment with us. We wish you all the best for your future endeavors.

Sincerely,
[Your name]

Termination Due to Violation of Company Policy

Dear [Employee name],

I regret to inform you that we have made the difficult decision to terminate your employment with us due to a serious violation of our company policy. Your actions have put our company at risk, and we cannot ignore the potential consequences of such behaviour.

Your misconduct, including [specific violation], is unacceptable and has caused us to lose trust in you as an employee. We have conducted a thorough investigation, and our decision is final.

Please be aware that we are obligated to inform the relevant authorities if necessary. We will provide you with your final paycheck and necessary documentation as soon as possible.

We wish you success in your future endeavors.

Sincerely,
[Your name]

Termination Due to Redundancy

Dear [Employee name],

I regret to inform you that your role has become redundant and your employment with us must come to an end. The reason for this is [explain the reason for the redundancy, e.g. company restructuring, financial crisis, etc.].

We have explored all possible alternatives and options, but regrettably, we have come to the conclusion that we must reduce our workforce. This decision was not taken lightly, and we acknowledge your contributions to the company during your employment.

We will provide you with your final paycheck, any outstanding benefits, and necessary documentation as soon as possible. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you require any further assistance or clarification.

We wish you all the best for your future endeavors.

Sincerely,
[Your name]

Termination Due to Health Reasons

Dear [Employee name],

I regret to inform you that we cannot continue your employment with us due to health reasons. Your [medical condition] is preventing you from fulfilling the requirements of your role, and we are unable to accommodate alternate duties.

We have considered all possible accommodations and options, but unfortunately, the situation cannot be resolved. We realize that this decision may cause hardship, but we must prioritize your health and safety, as well as that of your colleagues and customers.

We will provide you with your final paycheck, any outstanding benefits, and necessary documentation as soon as possible. We wish you all the best for your future recovery and endeavors.

Sincerely,
[Your name]

Termination Due to Misconduct

Dear [Employee name],

I regret to inform you that we have made the difficult decision to terminate your employment with us due to misconduct. Your actions have violated our company values and ethical standards, and we cannot condone or tolerate such behavior.

Your [specific violation] has caused serious damage to our company reputation and the trust of our clients. We have conducted a thorough investigation, and our decision is final.

Please be aware that we are obligated to inform the relevant authorities if necessary. We will provide you with your final paycheck and necessary documentation as soon as possible. We advise you to seek legal advice if you wish to dispute our decision.

We wish you success in your future endeavors.

Sincerely,
[Your name]

Termination Due Performance During Probationary Period

Dear [Employee name],

I regret to inform you that we have made the difficult decision not to continue your employment with us after your probationary period. During this time, we have assessed your performance and have concluded that you do not meet the standards required for the role.

Your [specific shortcomings] indicate that you do not have the necessary skills and experience that we require for our team. For this reason, we must terminate your employment.

We realize that this may come as a disappointment, but we hope that you will take this as a learning opportunity and use it to improve your skills in future endeavors.

Sincerely,
[Your name]

Termination Due to Retirement

Dear [Employee name],

I want to take this opportunity to congratulate you on your retirement. Your contributions to our company over [number of years] have been valuable and appreciated.

As you have informed us of your intention to retire, we confirm that your employment will end on [date of retirement]. We will fulfill all our legal obligations, including your final paycheck, any outstanding benefits, and necessary documentation.

Please know that you will be missed, and we wish you all the best for your future retirement plans.

Sincerely,
[Your name]

Tips for Writing an Effective Termination Email Sample

Terminating an employee whether due to performance issues or organizational restructuring can be a difficult task. It is important to handle the situation with empathy, tact, and professionalism especially when communicating via email. Here are some related tips to make sure your termination email sample is well-written and effective.

1. Be clear and concise. The email should not be lengthy or complicated. You should simply communicate the reason for termination accurately and clearly. Remember to include the employee’s name, date of termination, position, and reason for termination in the email.

2. Avoid using emotive or accusatory language in the email. Regardless of the reason for termination, the employee should not be made to feel that they are being attacked or criticized. Use objective language and avoid making personal attacks or comments. You can also use email templates available online for guidance.

3. Keep the email purposeful and professional. The email should be written in business format and tone. Use professional language and avoid slang or informal language. Stick to the facts and try to avoid any ambiguity or interpretation in the language used.

4. Be prepared to answer any follow-up questions. Your termination email might leave him with questions. The employee might need to know what the next steps are, what happens with his benefits, when he will receive his final paycheck, regard another related concern. Be sure to address these concerns in your email or tell him where he can find the information he needs.

5. Line up any required documentation. You need to prepare an employee’s file to confirm that he was given adequate feedback on performance or any relevant information. Before an employee is terminated, employers should make sure they have all documentation and evidence on hand to make a strong case if necessary.

6. Use the email to maintain the relationship you have built up with the employee over time. The employee might need to write references or seek advice after the termination. So use the opportunity to remind him about the positive contributions he made while under the company’s employ and that he still possesses some great professional qualities.

In conclusion, a termination email should not be taken lightly. It is an essential communication tool that requires planning and careful attention to detail. By following these tips, you can craft a termination email sample that is clear, professional, and empathetic, and minimize any negative impact on the person leaving.

Termination Email Sample FAQs


What is a termination email?

A termination email is a formal email sent to an employee to inform them that their employment has been terminated. It usually outlines the reason for the termination and any relevant details that the employee needs to be aware of.

What should be included in a termination email?

A termination email should include the reason for the termination, the effective date of termination, any severance packages or benefits the employee is entitled to, and any next steps the employee needs to take.

How should a termination email be written?

A termination email should be written in a professional tone and include all the necessary information in a clear and concise manner. It should avoid any accusatory or negative language and focus on the facts of the situation.

Who should send the termination email?

The termination email should be sent by the employee’s supervisor or HR representative, depending on the company’s policies.

When should a termination email be sent?

A termination email should be sent as soon as the decision to terminate the employee has been made and all details have been finalized.

What tone should a termination email have?

A termination email should have a formal and professional tone. It should not be overly emotional or personal.

Can a termination email be contested?

Yes, an employee may choose to contest their termination, and it is recommended that the company provides a clear process for doing so. This process should be explained in the termination email.

Is it necessary to provide a reason for the termination in the email?

Yes, it is necessary to provide a reason for the termination in the email. This helps to avoid confusion or misunderstanding and allows the employee to understand the situation clearly.

Can a termination email be sent to a group of employees?

Yes, a termination email can be sent to a group of employees if they are all being terminated for the same reason. However, each individual employee should receive a personalized email outlining the details of their termination.

Wrapping Up

That’s it, folks! Hopefully, this guide has provided you with some valuable insights into creating effective termination emails. Remember to always keep it professional and respectful, and make sure to follow your company’s protocols. Thanks for taking the time to read this article, and we hope to see you back here again soon for more useful tips and tricks!