Making close at friends at work is something wonderful. Terminating them as Leader or HR can be difficult. To handle this situation (or any other termination!) humanely and empathetically, I can share 2 tips: 1) maintain professionalism and fairness by following procedure/process and 2) communicate with empathy, acknowledging what they are feeling/going through and providing all the information/support necesary to help them. This has happened to me and today we are still friends!

Mi experiencia en situaciones similares: Despedir a un amigo en el trabajo es emocionalmente desafiante, pero he aprendido que la clave está en mantener la empatía y la profesionalidad. Una conversación honesta, en la que se expliquen claramente las razones detrás de la decisión, puede marcar la diferencia. Además, ofrecer apoyo práctico, como cartas de recomendación o ayuda para encontrar nuevas oportunidades, puede aliviar la transición

To navigate terminating a close friend, approach the situation with professionalism and empathy. Be transparent about the decision, focusing on company policies and performance issues rather than personal feelings. Offer support during the process and provide resources to help them transition. Maintain clear boundaries and ensure confidentiality to protect both the professional relationship and your personal connection.

Be neutral and objective. You must focus on facts rather than emotional connections. If the decision requires more input, be open to listening to others perspectives on the situation to make an informed decision. Have a conversation with the employee regarding their performance or the factors that may lead to termination, but ensure that there is a third party HR representative present to avoid any miscommunication about the reasoning for the conversation. Ultimately, termination is difficult in any situation, but the same protocols and policies must be followed regardless of the relationship.

- Follow company guidelines and ensure termination reasons are valid and documented. - Separate personal feelings from professional responsibilities. - Have a private, honest, and empathetic conversation, focusing on facts. - Handle the situation confidentially to protect your friend's dignity. - Provide guidance on next steps, such as references or career counseling if appropriate. - Seek support for yourself to process the emotional strain.