How many steps should be included in a progressive discipline program?
There is no one answer, but many organizations use the five steps listed below. 1. Verbal warning In this first step, the employee is reminded/informed of the workplace rule and its importance. The employee is clearly told what constitutes a violation, and how to avoid these violations in the future. 2. Documented verbal warning In step two, the supervisor makes a written record of the verbal reprimand and both the supervisor and employee sign the document. A copy is given to the employee, and one copy is retained in the employee’s file. 3. Written warning An official, written reprimand is the third step, generally accompanied by a plan for stopping the unwanted behavior and a setting forth of consequences if the behavior is not stopped. This document is placed in the employee’s file. 4. Suspension In this step, the employee is placed on paid or unpaid leave for a length of time designated by management. A record of the suspension, its length and conditions, is placed in the employee’s
