Many employment discrimination suits arise out of disciplinary action or discharge decisions. Additionally, it simply makes good business sense to be fair and consistent when making disciplinary decisions. Therefore, it is advisable for employers to have in place appropriate disciplinary procedures to maintain general fairness in the workplace and to reduce their potential exposure to lawsuits. Such procedures, if applied consistently and fairly, are an important part of enforcing company rules and policies, encouraging a more efficient working environment and placing employers in a good position to defend against claims from employees.
An established company discipline policy is an important part to the success of employee disciplinary procedures. Though discipline policies vary with regard to the specifics of prohibited conduct and the amount of discretion given to supervisors (in terms of deciding how to discipline an employee), it is important that all discipline policies be administered fairly and consistently and be communicated effectively to employees.
Some employers may desire a more fixed discipline policy. Employers that do not want open-ended discipline policies may implement a progressive...
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