Progressive Discipline

Most employers follow some form of progressive discipline for performance problems or less serious forms of misconduct like attendance problems or difficulties getting along with co-workers or missing deadlines. You may choose to start with a verbal warning, followed by a written warning for a second offense, followed by a probationary period or suspension, then termination for subsequent problems. Whatever system you implement, make sure to keep your options open. Don't obligate yourself to follow a particular disciplinary pattern for every employee in every circumstance; otherwise, you may find it difficult to fire an employee for truly egregious behavior.