How to Discipline your Employees
When dealing with a subpar employee, it is crucial that you know how to discipline your employees. While firing an employee may be the easiest option, it is also not always the most legal. The legality of terminating an employee without a disciplinary program can be in question, so it is vital that you follow the law. In addition, remember that you should never use a disciplinary procedure to punish an employee who has committed no wrongdoing.
While disciplinary action can result in a positive result, it can also result in a rocky relationship. It is imperative that the disciplinary process be documented. Documentation is vital to a compliant process. In the event that a lawsuit, OSHA penalties, or NLRB charges arise, thorough documentation will help your business defend itself. In addition, it will make it easier for employees to come clean with you in the future.
In addition to writing a letter, follow-up is also essential. A letter with the details of the wrongdoing and a plan to rectify it should be sent to the employee. A copy of the letter should be signed by both the employee and the manager. This letter should be a public document and should state the employee's name, job description, and the date the disciplinary action took place. This will help ensure that the disciplinary process is a productive one and that the employee is willing to address it in the future.
The final step in disciplining your employees is termination. Depending on the severity of the offense, you can choose between verbal counseling and written counseling. The verbal warning is a good first step. If the employee is engaging in improper behavior, give them a firm reminder to refrain from it. The written counseling should be documented, so the employee will remember it. If the behavior continues, write down the facts and the requirements going forward.
When disciplining your employees, write down the details of the incident. A memo can include a brief summary of the incident. It can be used in the future to discipline a subordinate. If the employee continues to do the wrong thing, you may want to consider sending them a memo detailing the incident. Ultimately, employee discipline is important for the health and productivity of your company. If you are disciplined properly, your employees will be more productive and the company will be more profitable.
Once you have addressed the issue, make sure to document it in writing. If the employee does not understand the disciplinary action, he/she may have a problem understanding the details. Whether the employee was using a mobile device while at work or stealing a laptop from the office, the letter should specify exactly what the problem is. The letter should include the consequences if the behaviour is not rectified. It should also include the employee's signature.
When disciplinary actions are necessary, follow up with your employees afterward. It's important to follow up after the event to make sure the employee is doing well. After all, the consequences of disciplinary actions can affect the performance of the company, so it's vital to follow up with these employees. Moreover, they'll feel more comfortable with the punishment if you're able to follow up with them. If an employee is unable to understand why he/she has received an action, he/she won't be able to handle the consequences.
While the disciplinary action must be conducted in a private setting, it must not be too harsh. When the employee is late for a work meeting, it's advisable to focus on the cause of the lateness instead of the fact that the employee has been tardy. Besides, it is best to have the same disciplinary action with every employee - both for their own sake and for the sake of the company.
It is important to make sure that the disciplinary action is properly documented. The letter must explain the employee's wrongdoing, how to correct the situation, and what the consequences will be for uncorrected behavior. It must also include the employee's signature. The letter should be signed and dated by the employee. It should also be documented to ensure that no other mistakes are committed. It is also necessary to document the disciplinary action.