It is recommended that the employee’s direct supervisor and an HR representative are present during a termination meeting. Optimally, the meeting will be held in a private setting to ensure the confidentiality of the sensitive discussion.
Even seating should be planned such that the employee is not in a position where he/she can block the exit if they become irate. Details of the termination should be established in advance (e.g. reason for termination, effective date, policy for giving references, whom to contact about further issues).
The meeting should be kept brief and the employee should be treated respectfully; and given a chance to ask their questions and voice their concerns/thoughts.
It is important that any severance package or termination letter be clearly documented and provided to the employee during the termination meeting.