A Manager's Guide to Discipline and Documentation

A key role for any manager or supervisor is to ensure employees meet the expectations for appropriate and lawful conduct at work. Dealing with problematic behavior and taking disciplinary action can be stressful. But simply ignoring or avoiding problems is not an option because it may signal to employees that inappropriate behavior is acceptable, and mishandling disciplinary issues may result in employee claims of wrongful termination, discrimination, or retaliation. Consistent and fair procedures, honest communication, timely documentation, and clear expectations can help managers deal with disciplinary issues in a way that improves behavior with fewer negative repercussions. This course explains the principles of effective employee discipline, including the concept of due process in the disciplinary procedure, and it describes how to respond to and document a disciplinary issue appropriately. This course was developed with subject matter support provided by the Labor, Employment, and Employee Benefits Law Group of the law firm of Sheehan Phinney Bass & Green PA. Please note, however, that the course materials and content are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Nothing herein, or in the course materials, shall be construed as professional advice as to any particular situation or constitute a legal opinion with respect to compliance with any federal, state, or local laws. Transmission of the information is not intended to create, and receipt does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. Readers should not act upon this information without seeking professional counsel. The information contained herein is provided only as general information that may or may not reflect the most current legal developments. This information is not provided in the course of an attorney-client relationship and is not intended to constitute legal advice or to substitute for obtaining legal advice from an attorney licensed in your state.