Discipline & Termination

Documenting discipline: The 3 cardinal rules for managers

September 6, 2024
Managers should make documentation of employee performance, behavior and discipline a regular habit. HR can help limit the organization’s legal liability by counseling ­managers to keep three basic principles in mind when documenting discipline.

Follow these 4 rules to make progressive discipline hold up in court

June 7, 2024
Having a rigorous system of progressive discipline is the best way to prove in court that an employee fired for inferior performance was treated fairly and in accordance with your company’s policies. Base progressive discipline on these four rules.

The vital importance of diligent documentation

June 5, 2024
One critical area that HR professionals must always remind managers about is the importance of diligently documenting employee performance issues. Taking the time and care to document thoroughly can save you and your company major headaches later.

Discipline consistently, equitably to avoid discrimination liability

April 15, 2024
Every employee who breaks the same rule should receive the same level of discipline. Absent some solid, fact-based reason, treating some employees more leniently than others is practically begging to be sued for discrimination. That’s especially true if a manager treats members of a particular protected class more harshly or more favorably than employees who belong to different protected classes.

When terminations are required, always proceed with dignity

February 9, 2024
Sometimes, managers must terminate employees even during good economic times. The reasons are many. An employer may choose to move in a different direction, requiring it to shed workers with skills no longer needed now that the mission has changed. Then there’s the case of the underperforming employees you finally decide to let go. Whatever the reason, managers must understand how to fire with dignity. Here are some guidelines to follow.

Employee attendance issues and how to address them

January 12, 2024
While some absences such as sick leave can’t be avoided, there are plenty of steps that you can take to improve employee attendance within your organization. Find out how to create clear attendance expectations, maintain more detailed attendance data and work with employees to improve their attendance.

How to handle insubordination, carelessness, stealing and other discipline issues

December 15, 2023
As a manager, disciplining employees needs to occur periodically. The next time an issue comes up, look to these examples for guidance. Even if your specific problem isn’t detailed here, apply some of the principles to your dilemmas as they arise.

Employee discipline examples and how to handle them

October 6, 2023
What might the disciplinary process for an employee look like in action? Much will depend on the company’s policies, the offense and the improvement (or lack of it). To offer some context, here are a few examples that may help the next time you need to put this into practice.

Follow the right path when handing down disciplinary action

September 29, 2023
Administering disciplinary action rarely tops the list of any manager’s favorite aspects of the job. Failing to address performance issues or unacceptable behavior, however, virtually guarantees it will continue.

Management toolbox: Letters of clarification and decision-making leaves

September 15, 2023
As a manager, you are no doubt well-versed in taking disciplinary actions and the necessary paper trail that entails. But are you aware of two valuable tools, less severe in nature, that can help solve performance issues?