The Basics of Progressive Discipline

Progressive discipline is a disciplinary process that provides a graduated range of responses to employee performance/conduct issues. Disciplinary actions are dependent on the nature and frequency of the problem within the framework established in the progressive discipline policy. For example, a simple written counsel/warning might be appropriate for an employee who has an attendance issue or violates a minor work rule.  However, a more serious response – up to and including termination - might be called for if an employee violates a serious work rule, commits a criminal act, or doesn't improve a performance problem after receiving several opportunities to do so.

Most large companies use some form of progressive discipline and although they might have different names, all are based on the principle that the disciplinary response should be appropriate and proportionate to the employee's conduct.

The Benefits of Progressive Discipline

Using progressive discipline allows you the opportunity to get the employee back on track before the need to terminate. Done right, progressive discipline should …

• allow managers to intervene and correct employee issues before they become a pattern
• enhance communication between managers and employees
• reduce turnover and the costs associated with it
• ensure consistency and fairness in dealing with employee performance/conduct issues, and
• provide documentation needed for fair, legally defensible employment termination of employees who cannot or will not improve.

Behavior Ignored is Behavior Accepted

Progressive discipline allows you the opportunity to avoid the consequences of workplace problems going unchecked. If you don't intervene, the employee may not know that their behavior/actions are unacceptable. Not only will you have lost an opportunity to help the employee improve, but your company could suffer from other employees following the example of this one – their behavior is viewed as accepted.

Consistency Keeps You Out of Court