While I agree with that, good communication and formalized processes should already ensure that the individual knows why they are being let go – of course, this would ideally apply to performance issues or some other reasonable job related metric that is plainly understood.

That being said.

Employers who let people go out of the blue, without explanation, are almost always suspect. I understand the right to work goes both ways, but unexpectedly severing someone from their livelihood is too easy in this country, and at the very least workers deserve a reason.

Some thoughts.

I’ve been fired (and this was a true firing–I was terrible at the job). I’ve also fired people. I later excelled at the job I took after the job that fired me. I also have no ill-will toward the people I fired and I truly do hope they found roles they could excel in.

Not every person is the right fit for every role. Barring truly egregious behavior on the part of the employee, ensure that the person being fired at least has their dignity intact and is treated with respect. Besides, you could cross paths with this person ten years later at a different job where they are your co-worker. Or even your manager!