: Space for the employee, supervisor, and HR representative to sign, confirming the discussion took place. Best Practices
: Clearly outline what the employee needs to do to correct the behavior and set a date for a follow-up meeting.
: Include dates of any previous verbal warnings or coaching sessions to show a pattern of progressive discipline.
A standard write-up should include the following sections to ensure fairness and legal protection:
: Reference the specific company policy or handbook section that was violated (e.g., "Attendance Policy Section 4").
: A specific account of what happened, including the date, time, and location . Use objective language; for example, instead of "Bob had a bad attitude," state "Bob used unprofessional language in the team meeting".
: List any first-hand accounts or physical evidence that supports the claim.
: State exactly what will happen if the behavior continues, such as further disciplinary action or termination.