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Monday, October 21, 2013

Dealing With Employee Discipline And The Written Warning Letter

By Gregory Covey


A disciplinary meeting may be tricky, and thus essential to get the rules just right. Depending on whether the allegation is one of misconduct, or breaking the rules, or bad performance like not achieving goals, check the provisions of the related process. Depending on the severity of the allegation, determine whether to suspend the worker during the ongoing investigation, but only when absolutely essential, like with an allegation of harassment, where the person's continued presence in the workplace might hinder said investigation. Either way, a written warning letter will be necessary.

The manager or superior must consider the particulars from the analysis. This may entail an interview process including one or more witnesses. The requirement for written claims and witness signatures will be necessary. Weighing the proof is important, without failing to remember emails, letters, and the like.

Refer to procedures to determine which rules appear to have been broken. Verify the person's file to determine if other disciplinary warnings were imposed. Inform employee about the meeting, including the time and place and who else will be attending. The letter should state that it's a disciplinary meeting, the nature of the allegation, which rules were allegedly broken), and that they have the legal right to come accompanied by a coworker or union official.

If there are statements from witnesses, attach a copy of each to the letter. Organize for somebody neutral to take notes and once the individual arrives, reiterate that it's a disciplinary meeting and that they possess certain rights. If there is no companion, make note of it. Clarify the roles of those present, with the manager representing the business, the note taker, the employee, the companion.

Then state in detail, the allegations and the evidence of the investigation. Invite the worker to comment. Ask necessary questions to clarify the employee's place, and challenge any statements that are inconsistent with the proof. Consider evidence the worker may have brought along and invite the companion to add feedback. Adjourn the meeting and consider everything, including the person's track record before when reaching the decision. A habitual offender might be handled more severely than someone with an unblemished record. Unless it's clear of gross misconduct it is uncommon to dismiss somebody to get a first offense.

Reconvene the meeting after a day or two, given that no further investigation is necessary. Advise the employee of the decision. Remind the employee of their right to appeal. Write a letter confirming the decision, including the disciplinary warning, a demotion, suspension and so on or confirmation of the fact that no disciplinary sanction will be applied.

Attach any notes from the meeting, and make sure the letter tells of the right to appeal and how. Prompt and suitable disciplinary action can frequently nip a situation in the bud, preventing poor habits from forming, which could ultimately harm team spirit and the culture of the organization.

Sure this may appear overwhelming, but help exists. Obviously there's a HR department to go to. You will find good examples of warning letters available on the web. Make sure to implement an written warning procedure if it's not already existing.




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