The same way you would in person, done live on video, never by email or chat. Have the record ready: the brief, the work, the feedback given, the dates. Say the decision in the first sentence. Cover pay, last day, benefits and equipment. Then follow the rules for your state or country, with HR or a lawyer where needed. This is not legal advice; laws differ by place.
Before the call
- Check the record. Was the expectation written down? Was feedback given, in writing, with time to improve? If not, the conversation should be a warning, not a termination.
- Prepare the logistics. Final pay, benefits end date, how equipment comes back, access that gets switched off.
- Book a short video call with a camera on both sides. Have HR or a second person present.
The call
Ten minutes. The decision first, in one sentence. The reason in one plain line. Then the next steps. Do not debate the decision. Do not say it is hard for you. Answer questions about pay and dates, and end.
After the call
Send the written summary the same day: last day, pay, benefits, equipment return, who to contact. Switch off access as agreed. Tell the team briefly and without detail.
Where M-Tracker fits
Most terminations go badly for one reason: the record is a manager's memory. In M-Tracker, each task has a brief, each piece of work was checked against it, and the reviews are saved with their dates. A decision like this rests on a year of specific work and specific feedback, not a feeling. That protects the person as much as the company.
Try M-Tracker free14-day trial. No credit card. No employee surveillance.
Questions people ask
Can I fire someone by email if they are remote?
Legally it depends on where you are. Practically, never. It is the one thing former employees never forgive.
Should I give a reason?
In most places you can, and one plain line is kinder than silence. Ask HR about your local rules.
What about their laptop?
Send a prepaid box the same day. Make returning it easy.
Work you can trust, without redoing it.
Your team gets feedback before work reaches you, or your client.
Copyright © 2020 – 2026 M-Tracker. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy