Discipline & Termination

Stop those workplace pranks!

January 28, 2015

A workplace without levity, laughter and some lighter moments can undermine morale. But too often, employees push the envelope to garner the laughs and chuckles. Before such tomfoolery becomes hurtful or dangerous to other workers and spins into a not-so-amusing lawsuit, give employees a heads-up that pranks could result in personal liability, meaning their own bank accounts and other assets are on the line.

Why was Joe fired? Stay mum

January 12, 2015
Post-termination communication is one area in which managers can get into trouble. Managers should follow these best practices when communicating about an employee’s departure.

Having the ‘tough talk’

November 24, 2014

Even the best employees have their misunderstandings and mistakes, and smart managers know that ignoring such natural events can turn them into team performance toxins. But it’s often not easy to turn your misgivings into action. Here’s how to maintain a healthy communication environment and get over any resistance to confront employees.

Before ‘writing up’ that employee …

October 29, 2014
Here are two tests to tell if it’s smart to discipline in writing.

Stop those feuding workers

October 24, 2014
It happens in every workplace: Two employees have a classic personality conflict and bicker constantly. Due to the nature of their jobs, they must interact with each other. What’s the best way to stop their petty squabbling?

The art of the exit interview

September 30, 2014

Knowing why employees leave is crucial to finding the cause for turnover. And exit interviews can be a great tool to obtain that feedback. However, take care to minimize legal liability during those meetings.

4 tips to effectively enforce the rules

September 29, 2014
Managers who can put appropriate rules in place and see that they are followed create an important edge for themselves and their teams. Here are some ideas and techniques for providing firm, fair leadership.

4 lousy excuses for not firing a poor performer

September 10, 2014

Somewhere along the line, you will encounter poor-performing employees who whine, assign blame, watch the clock or drag down morale. Why, then, might you hesitate to fire such people? Here are four lousy excuses for not imposing proper discipline.

Oh no! B.O.! What to do

August 20, 2014
For many managers, hosting a termination meeting may be easier than having to tell an employee that he or she has offensive body odor. But a surprising number of managers are forced into such discussions.

Is there such a thing as ‘constructive demotion’?

August 12, 2014
Q. Do employees who feel compelled to ask for a lower position rather than quit have a legal leg to stand on in court? — Paul, Ohio