Disciplinary action: Overview, definition, and example
What is disciplinary action?
Disciplinary action refers to the formal steps an employer takes to address and correct an employee's behavior, performance issues, or violations of workplace policies. The goal of disciplinary action is to ensure compliance with company rules, maintain workplace standards, and improve employee conduct or performance. Disciplinary actions can range from verbal warnings to termination, depending on the severity of the issue.
For example, an employee repeatedly arriving late to work might receive a written warning as part of a disciplinary process.
Why is disciplinary action important?
Disciplinary action is important because it promotes accountability, ensures a fair and consistent application of workplace policies, and helps maintain a productive work environment. It provides a structured approach to addressing issues and gives employees an opportunity to improve their behavior or performance.
For employers, clear disciplinary procedures reduce the risk of legal disputes and demonstrate fairness in handling workplace issues. For employees, these procedures provide transparency about consequences and opportunities to correct mistakes.
Understanding disciplinary action through an example
Imagine an employee violates the company's code of conduct by using inappropriate language in the workplace. The disciplinary action process might involve:
Verbal Warning: The employee's manager meets with them to discuss the issue and remind them of company policy.
Written Warning: If the behavior continues, the manager issues a formal written warning that outlines the problem and the consequences of further violations.
Suspension or Termination: If the behavior persists despite warnings, the employer may suspend the employee or terminate their employment.
In another example, an employee consistently fails to meet performance targets despite feedback and training. The disciplinary action might involve a performance improvement plan (PIP), giving the employee specific goals to meet within a defined timeframe. If they fail to improve, further action such as demotion or termination could follow.
An example of a disciplinary action clause
Here’s how a disciplinary action clause might appear in an employee handbook:
“The Company reserves the right to take disciplinary action in response to violations of workplace policies, performance issues, or misconduct. Disciplinary action may include verbal warnings, written warnings, suspension, or termination, depending on the severity of the violation. All disciplinary actions will be documented and communicated to the employee in a timely manner.”
Conclusion
Disciplinary action is a key tool for maintaining workplace standards, ensuring compliance with policies, and fostering a professional and productive work environment. By providing a clear and consistent process, businesses can address issues fairly and effectively while giving employees an opportunity to correct their behavior. Clear disciplinary policies help minimize disputes, ensure legal compliance, and support organizational integrity.
This article contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice. Cobrief is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. The law is complex and changes often. For legal advice, please ask a lawyer.