Firing an employee is stressful for all parties - not just for the employee losing a job. No matter how well you've communicated about performance problems with the employee, almost no one believes that they will actually get fired.
Employees convince themselves that they won't get fired: they think that you like them; they think you know that they are a nice person, or you recognize that they've been "trying hard."
When you have to fire an employee, ensure that the company's actions are above reproach. How you fire an employee sends a powerful message to your remaining staff - either positive or negative. Here's how to fire an employee and, just as important, how not to fire an employee.
Related: What is the Best Day to Fire an Employee?
Image Copyright James Tutor
Great post Susan,
Another employee being endangered during a firing is slim, but you do need to be prepared for the unexpected.
Just before the firing, change any passwords that provide access to the employee to any computer network accounts, financial records or other sensitive material.