Progressive discipline

If an employee does not respond to a verbal warning, a more formal written warning is issued. A written warning is the first formal step in progressive discipline that may result in eventual discharge of the employee. It differs from verbal warnings, which are relatively informal acts that only require the manager to note the time and place of the reprimand and what... 

However, if employees are provided clear performance standards and the procedures for progressive discipline are observed, firing bad employees usually is not difficult procedurally. This means that every step leading up to the termination must be appropriate and documented. 

Action XYZ Trucking, Inc. will develop and implement a progressive discipline program for driver... 

When the policy or procedure is in effect, enforcement is usually through disciplinary action. Discipline must be consistent, or the policy or procedure will lose its power. Depending on the severity of a policy violation, progressive discipline provides a level of punishment commensurate with the violation. For example, a first offense may result in a one-day suspension, a second offense in a one-week suspension, and a third violation in termination. In such a case, two employees could get a different punishment for the same conduct. Another consideration may be the seniority of employees. Discipline may be more severe for a seasoned veteran than for a new employee. Some policy violations are so severe as to warrant immediate termination. These are usually reserved for those violations that could result in death or serious injury to others, or those relating to matters of integrity. Embezzling money from the organization may not create a risk of injury, but the nature of the violation would warrant dismissal. 

What about progressive discipline Whenever I teach behavior management principles and procedures, the question of how to deal with the repeat offender frequently comes up. Are there not times when punishment is necessary Does not an individual who "willfully" breaks the rules after repeated warnings or confrontations... 

The standard progressive discipline approach in safety enforcement includes three steps. After the third infraction, it is conunon to send the employee home for a certain number of days without pay. In other words, "three strikes and you re out." But the wrongdoer is not out for good. The individual is usually allowed back "in the game." Here is the critical question. Is tiie person a better "player" upon his or her return ... 

It is important, however, to give managers some flexibility where discipline is concerned. Some situations will require a certain form of discipline, regardless of whether the first step of progressive discipline has been taken. In other words, a very serious offense—even if it is an... 

Several factors come into play in determining an appropriate disciplinary action. Included among them are the basic concepts of corrective, progressive discipline. That is, penalties should be selected with the intent of appl3dng the minimum discipline likely to be necessary to correct the offense. Second, fairness and consistency must be assessed. 

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