Discipline and Termination

Performance Management

Effective workforce management begins with performance management. We counsel our clients in the following areas of performance management:

• Development of performance evaluation systems
• Documentation of performance issues
• Training of supervisors and managers to effectively manage employees

Employee Discipline

As all employers know, at times it is necessary to discipline employees for performance and conduct issues. We work with employers to put in place effective measures to deal with these issues before they arise, which helps ensure that discipline is applied uniformly. In particular, we counsel employers on:

• Development of effective performance improvement plans
• Progressive discipline policies and implementation
• Attendance policies
• Documentation of discipline issues
• Uniform application of discipline
• How to avoid the appearance of discrimination when disciplining employees

Termination

Terminating an employee - even a poor performer - is one of the most difficult jobs that managers and human resources managers face. It also is the one decision that is most likely to be challenged. We work with employers to assess risks and to implement a system to minimize the risks associated with terminations. We advise employers on:

• Development of an internal review process to ensure the propriety (and fairness) of termination decisions
• Assessment of risks and how to avoid them (including whether and how much to document)
• How to handle the termination meeting

Your successes are our successes, and we think that shows because we love what we do. In all instances, we approach discipline and termination decisions by asking: -What outcome would you like to see-- Working with the human resource professionals or inside counsel to achieve that result leads to helping the company reduce the associated risk.