Does an employee need to be present to be fired?

Many issues need to be taken into consideration when terminating employment. How to communicate the termination decision is one such consideration. Whether an employee is terminated in person or by telephone is a decision within the discretion of the employer. However, it is important to take all of the appropriate steps before making that decision.

There is no California or federal requirement for an employer to bring an employee into the workplace to be terminated. An employer can choose to to call the employee and explain that his/her employment is being terminated. This may be a desirable method when there are concerns relating to employee misconduct, workplace violence, or theft.