We are terminating a problem employee today. Do we have to give them a reason?

The simple answer: No. California law does not require that you give an employee a reason why they're being terminated; it is part of the "at-will" policy in California.

Indeed, the "Notice to Employee as to Change in Relationship" that is required by the Employment Development Department does not have a mandatory section for an employer to note why it is terminating an employee.

If you do give a reason, however, it is imperative that it is the truth and the real reason. If your termination is challenged (i.e., a wrongful termination lawsuit), you don’t want to be “back pedaling” and changing your story.