What is Progressive Discipline?

Progressive discipline is a system designed to encourage employees to work according to certain rules of good behavior and good conduct. When these rules are broken, specific actions are taken—from verbal warnings to suspensions, to reprimands, and finally to termination. Which action to take depends on the following:

  • The type of offense.
  • The effect that the offense has on the business, including co-workers
  • The employee’s response to calling him on the behavior—along with the possibility that the behavior will be repeated
  • The disciplinary action that has been taken against other employees for similar offenses

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For instance, a verbal or written reprimand would come from a first offense of the following:

  • Knowingly filling out a time sheet of another employee
  • Being habitually tardy without explanation or habitually leaving early
  • Chronic absenteeism
  • Disorderly conduct on corporate property
  • Immoral conduct or indecency on company property
  • Malicious gossip and/or the spreading of rumors

A second offense of any of the above could lead to suspension or termination.

Behaviors that call for immediate discharge include:

  • Possession or consumption of non-prescribed narcotics on company property
  • Intoxication at work
  • Instigation of a fight on company property
  • Theft
  • Intentional harassment, including sexual harassment
  • Destruction of property
  • Insubordination
  • Misrepresentation of important facts in seeking employment
  • Violation of confidentiality or sharing of trade secrets outside the business
  • Extended unexcused absences
  • Gambling on corporate premises