Employee Discipline
An effective discipline program is
beneficial to both the employer and employee. It helps employees correct
any shortcomings with the goal of becoming a valuable, contributing
member of the workforce. Documentation created as a result of the
discipline process can also help protect an employer in the event that a
termination or other adverse employment decision becomes necessary.
Virtually all collective bargaining
agreements between unions and employers require some form of progressive
discipline, although non-union employers will generally find a
progressive discipline system a positive tool as well.
Although most states fully embrace the
employment at will doctrine, which in theory allows an employer to
discharge an employee at any time for any lawful reason, the judicially
recognized exceptions to the at will doctrine and the federal and state
statutes governing the workplace, make discipline and discharge a matter
that requires careful consideration. Generally, no discharge should be
initiated without consultation with employment counsel.
The following are guidelines to consider in implementing an employee discipline policy.