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Formal Discipline Processes

Discover how to use the formal discipline process
Preview the first lesson free — get full access to all 5 lessons.
Course: On-Demand
Intermediate Provider Stanley "Chris" Lomax  5 Lessons ·  13m  in Arabic, German, English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Chinese 

Course Description

When you’ve tried to address workplace behavior issues with informal methods, but the behavior doesn’t stop, it’s time to take more serious disciplinary actions. Formal discipline is often used to address serious misconduct issues and can result in written reprimands, probation, suspension without pay, and termination. To formally address behavior, the HR department receives a report, investigates it, holds a disciplinary hearing if necessary, and follows up on the situation. The purpose of formal discipline is to notify the employee of the negative behavior, reprimand them, and discuss a plan of action.

This course covers formal discipline, which occurs when a supervisor or manager documents a violation and addresses the behavior with the employee. This course will also cover best practices for preparing and creating strong documentation that can be used to justify formal discipline methods used if the behavior doesn’t stop. You’ll learn how to use this documentation within the formal discipline process at your workplace.

What You'll Learn

  • Describe the formal discipline process from report through investigation, disciplinary hearing, and follow-up
  • Recognize the situations where formal discipline is needed, such as serious misconduct
  • Discover methods for addressing employee behavior formally
  • Explain how to document behavior issues using best practices
  • Create strong documentation that can justify formal disciplinary actions

Key Takeaways

  • Formal discipline is used when informal methods fail to stop a workplace behavior and is often applied to serious misconduct.
  • Formal disciplinary actions can include written reprimands, probation, suspension without pay, and termination.
  • The HR department receives a report, investigates it, holds a disciplinary hearing if necessary, and follows up on the situation.
  • The purpose of formal discipline is to notify the employee of the negative behavior, reprimand them, and discuss a plan of action.
  • Strong documentation prepared in advance can justify the formal discipline methods used if the behavior continues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is this course for?

It is for supervisors and managers who document workplace violations and address behavior issues with employees through the formal discipline process.

What does this course cover?

It covers formal discipline, the situations where it is needed, methods for addressing behavior formally, and best practices for documenting behavior issues to justify formal discipline.

When is formal discipline used instead of informal methods?

Formal discipline is used when informal methods have been tried but the behavior does not stop, and it often addresses serious misconduct.

What disciplinary outcomes can result from formal discipline?

Formal discipline can result in written reprimands, probation, suspension without pay, and termination.

What lessons are included in this course?

The course includes Introduction, What Is Formal Discipline?, Documenting Behavior Issues, Addressing Behavior Formally, and Test Your Knowledge.