Termination notice letter template

When it's necessary to part ways with an employee, a clear, respectful termination notice letter can make the process more straightforward for everyone involved. A well-structured letter provides clarity, ensures legal compliance, and sets the tone for a professional offboarding experience.

Whether you're managing a layoff, addressing performance issues, or navigating another offboarding scenario, tailor this termination notice letter template to match your internal policies, local labor laws, and the specific context.

Note: Consult local labor laws and your company’s HR policies before issuing a termination letter. Legal obligations vary by country, state, and employment type.

Termination notice letter template

[Your name]
[Your job title]
[Company name]
[Company address]
[City, State, ZIP Code] (optional)
[Email address]
[Phone number] (optional)
[Date]

[Employee name]
[Employee job title]
[Department]
[Company name]

Subject: Notice of termination of employment

Dear [employee’s name],

This letter is to formally inform you that your employment with [company name] will be terminated effective [last working day], per [applicable contract/handbook clause or local labor law].

The reason for this decision is [insert reason — e.g., role redundancy, performance problems, policy violations]. This decision was made after [summarize process — e.g., a formal review, previous discussions, or organizational changes].

We recognize your contributions during your time here, particularly [mention any relevant positive highlights or appreciation, if appropriate].

Please find the key details regarding your termination below:

• Final working day: [Date]
  
  
• Final paycheck and benefits: You will receive your final paycheck on [date], which includes [details such as unused vacation, final salary, etc.].
  
  
• Return of company property: Please return all company equipment and access credentials (e.g., laptop, phone, ID badge) by [date].
  
  
• Continuation of benefits (if applicable): [E.g., information on insurance, health coverage, etc.]
  
  
• Reference and support (if applicable): [Include if offering support services or a reference.]
  
  
• Next steps: We will provide your final termination documents, including a separation summary and benefits information, by [date]. An exit interview will be scheduled with [HR contact] to gather your feedback and discuss the transition.
  
  

You are entitled to [mention any severance package, notice period, or accrued benefits, if applicable], as outlined in [employment contract / employee handbook].

If you have any questions about this process, your final paycheck, or other next steps, feel free to contact [representative’s name and contact info].

We appreciate the contributions you’ve made to [company] and wish you the best in your future endeavors.

Sincerely,

[Your name]
[Your title, Company]
[Signature or typed name] 

Tips for writing a professional termination notice letter

A termination letter is more than a formality; it acts as a legal document as well. Following best practices helps ensure your message is clear, compliant, and respectful, regardless of the reason for termination.

• Stay factual and objective: Focus on key details. Avoid emotional language or unnecessary elaboration.
  
  
• Clarify legal and financial information: Clearly state final pay, benefits, and what the employee is entitled to.
  
  
• Understand and follow legal requirements: Labor laws vary by country, state, and contract type. Ensure your letter meets all applicable legal standards, including notice periods, severance entitlements, and documentation protocols.
  
  
• Confirm next steps: Mention what’s needed from the employee before their departure (e.g., returning equipment, handing over work).
  
  
• Maintain respect and empathy: Even when terminations are due to misconduct or downsizing, a respectful tone helps preserve dignity and reduce potential conflict.
  
  

Guided offboarding with Remote HRIS

Employee offboarding is a critical step in the HR lifecycle. Handling terminations correctly protects your company, ensures compliance, and supports a smooth transition for everyone involved. Remote HRIS helps simplify and standardize this process with built-in offboarding workflows designed for global teams.

With Remote HRIS, you can:

• Initiate offboarding with one click: Start the offboarding process directly from the employee's profile using a guided four-step flow.
  
  
• Capture detailed termination data: Record key details like termination type (resignation, termination, or mutual agreement), last working day, offboarding reasons, and any supporting documents.
  
  
• Manage compliance and documentation: Include probation details, notice period handling (worked or paid in lieu), termination rationale, and future rehire eligibility, all in one place.
  
  
• Process final payments with clarity: Enter severance amounts, outstanding balances, unused PTO, and any additional pay to ensure accurate final compensation.
  
  
• Maintain auditable records: Store all offboarding data securely for future reference. Once complete, the employee profile is automatically archived and marked as terminated.
  
  

Remote HRIS guides you through every step of your offboarding process, including managing termination notice letters. Learn how Remote HRIS helps you manage global offboarding with confidence.

Disclaimer: This template is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult legal counsel or an HR expert before issuing a termination notice.