Level of Discipline Decision Factors
When deciding on the appropriate level of discipline, supervisors should consider the following factors:
- What are the facts and circumstances of the problem--who, what, when, where, why?
- How severe is the problem or infraction? What was the impact, or possible impact, of the employee's action?
- What is the employee's past disciplinary record, and how long has it been since the last disciplinary action?
- What is the employee's length of service?
- Are there any aggravating/mitigating circumstances?
- Were there legitimate obstacles to proper performance?
- What has department management done in like or similar situations? Has there been consistency in applying discipline in similar situations with other employees?
- Did the employee receive advance warning of the possible or probable consequences of the employee's conduct/performance?
- Was there sufficient time to show correction?
- Was the rule or policy reasonable?
- Was the investigation objective and complete?
- What level of discipline will the results of the investigation support?
|
