Only for serious transgression -- violence in the workplace, theft of company property, repeatedly showing up drunk/high.<p>Otherwise, lots of things can be going on in someone's life that can cause them to suck at their jobs for a while.<p>And long before actually firing them, it's better to see if maybe they fit better somewhere else in the company. Possibly at a lower pay rate.<p>And if even <i>that</i> doesn't work -- they should be advised that their job is in jeopardy and given an opportunity, on company time, to seek other employment (it's easier to get a job if you already have one).<p>Be kind.<p>You never know when the toes you step on today are attached to the ass you have to kiss a decade hence.
A few things that instantly come to mind:<p>1.) When they are not, and have not been, performing their job at a level that justifies their compensation.<p>2.) When they have a negative impact on the team (rude, pessimistic, etc.)<p>3.) When it has been determined by the company that it is better off without that individual.