Employee discipline is one of the most difficult, yet necessary, tasks in maintaining a productive workplace. Disciplining an employee enforces an employer's business goals, increases the disciplined employee's awareness of work rules and ethics, and minimizes the potential for greater liability due to employer negligence.
A disciplinary process should be implemented by an employer with a view to increase overall employee engagement, retention and compliance. Disciplinary procedures should be communicated clearly and implemented fairly so as to avoid claims of discrimination or retaliation. An employer should encourage integrity in applying discipline. This will help keep incidences of external whistleblowing to a minimum.
Apply discipline progressively, where appropriate. However, in certain situations (such as an act of workplace violence), immediate termination may be required to protect other employees and enforce overall safety and security.
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