Progressive discipline, if used appropriately, is an effective management tool. For most employees, a disciplinary warning and the potential consequences of further discipline will act as a deterrent, and result in immediate and improved performance and behavioural change.

For other employees who continue to challenge authority, this first warning can be used to build a history of poor performance. By using progressive discipline, management can respond to an employee’s repeated misconduct with a more severe form of discipline. For chronic poor performers, management now has the option to terminate employment for ‘just cause.’ Learn how progressive discipline is the TOOL to use to deter, correct or when necessary, terminate employment.