QUICK GUIDE TO MANAGING DISCIPLINE AT WORK – Contact us and we will send you a free copy of our guide.

Policies and procedures:

Do you have a written procedure for handling disciplinary issues?

Do employees have a copy of the procedure or is it easily available for them to read?

Are employees aware of company rules and what is expected of them?

Managing issues that arise:

• Act with consistency and fairness.
• Act promptly.
• Do not make assumptions, investigate and review the facts.

Informal action

• Deal with minor issues informally wherever possible.
• Inform the employee of the basis of the problem.
• Allow the employee to put their case.
• Set clear objectives or required conduct or behaviour.
• Provide appropriate coaching or training.
• Monitor performance and provide feedback.
• If conduct or performance does not improve sufficiently take formal action.

Formal action

• Inform the employee in writing of the basis of the problem and invite them to attend a meeting,
• Advise the employee that they may be accompanied by a colleague or a trade union representative.
• Hold the meeting and allow the employee to put their case.
• Use the HR Management Support Disciplinary Meeting notes sheet to guide you through the meeting process. – Contact us and we will send you a free copy
• Take notes at the meeting and keep copies of any relevant documents.
• If necessary, adjourn the meeting to clarify details or consider the action to be taken.
• Decide whether or not disciplinary or any other action is justified.
• If action is justified issue appropriate level of written warning or dismiss employee.
• Advise employee of their right of appeal.