Frequently asked questions about warnings to staff

It is vital for employers to grasp the nature of warnings and the impact they can have on employees' behaviour, as well as the consequences of issued warnings in the workplace. 

- Xander Levendal

Employers often have a lot of questions pertaining to warnings. Therefore it is vital to grasp the nature of warnings and the impact they can have on employees’ behaviour, as well as the consequences of issued warnings in the workplace.

A few questions commonly asked by employers include:

WHY SHOULD I ISSUE WARNINGS?

The courts have embraced the principle of corrective or progressive discipline, which views discipline as a tool for employees to understand the standards expected of them.

This method emphasises efforts to rectify employee behaviour through a series of escalating disciplinary actions, including counselling sessions and formal warnings.

Additionally, it is crucial to recognise that warnings function as a disciplinary measure that falls short of dismissal.

The issuing of warnings can serve as tangible evidence that the employer has diligently applied corrective actions, short of dismissal, in their efforts to address and rectify the employee’s behaviour.

WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE FOR ISSUING A WARNING?