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Alabama Progressive Discipline

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In Alabama, what is progressive discipline?

In short, progressive discipline is a systematized workplace disciplinary policy. It involves clearly defined steps. For each violation of the policy, there are consequences. Those consequences are clearly defined, and are “progressive” in the sense that they become more serious with each violation.

The progressive steps may begin with retraining, then a verbal warning, followed by written warnings, suspension, and finally firing.

As an example policy, when a worker first comes to work three or more hours late without a reason, the company would offer retraining on the tardiness policy. The second time, the employee would face a verbal warning. On the third and fourth times, he or she may get a written notice. The fifth time might result in suspension for three days without pay, and the sixth may result in firing.

Each step should be backed with written documentation – including verbal warnings and retraining. It will show that the employer is applying the system fairly to all.

What are the advantages of progressive discipline?

First, the consequences of behavior are clearly laid out for the employee.

Second, it’s an objective system, which means it is equally fair to all workers.

Employees should know all of the steps ahead of time. The policy should be consistent throughout a firm, insuring fairness. Without consistency, the employer will open herself or himself to accusations of favoritism.

Yet it should be flexible. For example, the employee who comes in late on a single occasion because of a spouse’s illness certainly should not be treated the same as the worker who has a record of lateness for frivolous reasons like oversleeping.

The concept of progressive discipline is not often fully understood by employers or even Human Resource personnel. The Human Resource professionals often confuse the idea with peer-review methods. While some progressive discipline methods rely on peers, most do not. The term “progressive” does not mean the disciplinary policy is “up to date.” It refers to the progressive steps through the disciplinary process.