How to handle habitually late workers

  • October 25, 2017

Employers expect employees to get to work on time. Occasional problems with traffic or family issues sometimes make employees late. But chronic tardiness is another...

Not ready to fire? Give one last chance

  • April 28, 2017

Sometimes, a marginal worker shows promise and immediate termination isn’t warranted. Plus, you’re concerned that a lawsuit may follow the firing. In such cases,...

Your best practice: progressive discipline

  • August 26, 2016

In general, using a sensible progressive discipline program and documenting all disciplinary actions will help you justify a discharge—even in the face of apparent...

What to ask before punishing insubordination

  • January 26, 2016

An employee who doesn’t do what is asked of him or her is not necessarily insubordinate. Before disciplining for insubordination, delve a little deeper into the...

Can we discipline for bad behavior at party?

  • November 24, 2015

Q. At our company holiday party, which was not at the workplace or during work hours, an employee told some inappropriate jokes and put an arm around a co-worker who...