A disciplinary action is a reprimand or corrective action in
response to employee misconduct, rule violation, or poor performance. Depending
on the severity of the case, disciplinary action can take different forms.
It’s
up to the employee’s supervisors and managers to determine when disciplinary
action should be taken. While managerial staff can be more lenient with minor
violations (e.g., forgetting to respond to an important email), it is critical
that they promptly address severe incidents such as no-call no-shows,
harassment, or misconduct toward customers.
Employers
and their supervisory personnel must also be fair and consistent when
administering disciplinary action. When determining when to take action and
what consequences to administer, managers should consider the nature of the
violation, the employee’s disciplinary history, and their experience.
Disciplinary
action provides a means of recourse if an employee violates company policy or
the code of conduct. By enforcing a disciplinary action policy, employers can
cultivate a fair, consistent, and healthy workplace culture. A consistent
disciplinary policy protects employees, the company, and its customers.
