Boneyard Tools

Employee Termination Letter Generator

Fill in the employee, company and dates, choose why the employment is ending, and the tool builds a clear, respectful termination letter. It covers the effective date, a factual reason, final pay and benefits, optional severance, a return-of-property list, and a confidentiality reminder. The wording adapts to a dismissal for cause, a layoff, the end of a fixed-term contract, or a performance-based termination.

How to write an employee termination letter

  1. Enter the employee, company, manager, role and the termination, last working and final pay dates.
  2. Pick the termination type, toggle severance and list any company property to return.
  3. Review the live preview, then copy, download as a .txt file, or print it.

Examples

Layoff letter with severance

employee: Jordan Lee, type: layoff, termination date: July 15, 2026, severance: 8 weeks base pay, property: laptop, ID badge
Subject: Notice of Layoff
... your employment with Acme Corp is being ended as part of a layoff from your position as Account Executive, effective July 15, 2026. This decision is the result of organizational changes and is in no way a reflection of your individual performance ... Acme Corp is offering you a severance package ...

Frequently asked questions

What should an employee termination letter include?

A clear termination letter states the company and date, names the employee and role, gives the effective termination date, explains the reason factually, sets out final pay and benefits, covers any severance, lists company property to return, and reminds the employee of confidentiality obligations. This generator fills in all of those sections for you and adapts the wording to the type of termination you choose.

What is the difference between the termination types?

For cause is a dismissal tied to conduct or policy. A layoff is a business decision unrelated to the individual's performance, so the letter says so explicitly. End of contract is the scheduled conclusion of a fixed-term role. Performance covers a termination after previously discussed performance concerns. Picking the type changes the subject line, the opening sentence and the default reason paragraph.

How should I word a layoff so it stays respectful?

A layoff letter should make clear the decision is driven by business circumstances and is not a reflection of the person's work, then focus on the practical details: final pay, benefits, severance and next steps. When you choose the layoff type, this tool uses that blameless framing automatically while keeping the tone professional.

Is my data sent to a server or stored anywhere?

No. The letter is generated entirely in your browser with JavaScript. Nothing you type, including employee names, the reason for termination, or severance details, is uploaded, logged or stored, which matters for sensitive HR records.

Is this termination letter legal advice?

No. This is a general template to help you draft a letter quickly. It is not legal advice and does not account for your jurisdiction, employment contract, notice requirements, union rules or company policy. Have HR or a qualified employment lawyer review any termination before you issue it.

Can I edit the letter after I generate it?

Yes. Copy or download the text, then adjust it in your word processor to add company letterhead, attach the severance agreement, refine the reason, or align the wording with your policy before you send or file it.

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