Steps for Progressive Discipline

Too many employers handle employee issues poorly. Once you create a system and practice it a few times, it will only come natural. Disciplining employees doesn’t have to be a hassle and the reality is that it only becomes an issue when you’ve failed to follow a system. Basic Steps on Addressing Discipline in a Progressive manner: Step 1.) Give a Verbal / Oral Warning. Correct the employee immediately after the issue occurs by informing the employee that their behavior is unacceptable and must be corrected. Step 2.) Give a Written Counsel / Warning. If the employee repeats the behavior then you need to complete a written document stating the incident, expectations on future behavior and disciplinary action that will result in failure to correct the issue. The employee needs to sign the document and you file it in their personnel file. Step 3.) Provide a Final Written Counsel / Warning. The employee must understand in written form that their position is in immediate jeopardy if the behavior is repeated one more time. Step 4.) Terminate the Employee. If after receiving a final written warning the employee still continues the unacceptable behavior, you terminate them. This is assuming that you’ve followed progressive disciplinary steps and have provided tools for the employee to improve. Termination should only be the result after all efforts have been exhausted.