Employee terminations should be handled with great care, and only after documenting the discipline applied or opportunities offered to correct the issue of concern. Employers must follow certain procedures when considering terminating an employee.

One basic rule should be not to discharge an employee on the spot, unless failing to do so could put other employees and the company at risk. Employees whose work is not satisfactory should be notified of that fact as early as possible, both to allow for improvement and to prevent any later termination from being a total shock.