While it can make things rough for the employee, the supervisor, and the team left behind picking up the extra work, firing an employee is not actually the worst thing that can happen. It can be particularly rejuvenating for a team that has been putting up with the employee’s poor behavior or negative attitude. They can actually complete more work – at least in the short term while a replacement gets hired – because of the relief that comes with a toxic person being removed.

For a supervisor, the firing can be a relief too, once it is all over. Choosing to fire someone is a very big decision to make, and can create some inner turmoil when you feel you have done a lot of work to help them be successful there — from setting goals with the employee, coaching, offering constructive feedback, giving regular performance appraisals, developing behavioral contracts—and the employee still can’t improve.

If you decide that this step is necessary, make sure it really is the last option and that you have the legal authority to fire this person. If those factors are in place, and you have to do the firing, remember that this is a good thing for everything involved, even the employee. This match is simply not working; it’s time for the employee and the company to find someone that fits each of their needs better.