The sequence typically moves from verbal warning through written warning and suspension to termination. Policies may be discretionary or, absent disclaimers, may create enforceable expectations.
Consistency across employees is essential.
Alternative Names:
Progressive Discipline Policy|Graduated Discipline
Why it Matters?
Inconsistent application supplies the comparator evidence that defeats the employer's case, since an employee terminated at step two while others reached step four is the differential treatment discrimination claims require. Reserving discretion to skip steps for serious misconduct addresses genuine variation. Documenting each step contemporaneously with specific conduct and expectations is what makes the record support the eventual termination.
Frequently Confused with
Related terms
Frequently asked questions
What makes progressive discipline a liability?
How is variation preserved?
