text: what is the easiest way to fire an employee (for me and for her)? the girl just lost enthusiasm and interest in work. she is more often than not late for couple oif minutes and treats it like she is doing me a favor for showing up on time. requests to improve performance work for about a day or two, after that things go back to the way they used to... it's not easy, but it appears you already have the 'speech' down.  "i'm afraid it's clear you've lost enthusiasm and interest in your work and your attendance problems haven't helped the matter at all.  for those reasons, i'm gooing to have to let you go.  i'm sure you can understand from a business standpoint"  voila!  now..sit up straight, hold your head up, and ask her to come into your office.