Dealing with employee discipline can be tough, but it’s a necessary part of being a good HR manager or even a supervisor. Sending an email about a disciplinary action requires careful thought and a clear approach. Understanding What To Put In An Email For A Disciplinary is crucial to ensure fairness, legal compliance, and the chance for improvement. This guide will walk you through the essential elements and provide examples to help you craft effective disciplinary emails.
Key Elements of a Disciplinary Email
When you’re writing a disciplinary email, you need to be clear, direct, and professional. You also need to make sure you’re following company policy and any relevant labor laws. Here are the main things to include:
- The Reason for the Discipline: Be specific about what the employee did wrong.
- Company Policy: Refer to the specific policy that was violated.
- Previous Warnings: Mention any previous warnings or discussions about the issue.
- The Discipline: Clearly state what the disciplinary action is.
- Expectations: Explain what needs to change.
- Consequences: Outline what will happen if the behavior doesn’t improve.
Remember, the goal is to correct behavior, not to punish. You also want to make sure you’re being fair and consistent, treating all employees the same way for similar issues. You may want to use a table to make it easier for the employee to understand the email, especially if you are doing a final written warning.
| Date | Issue | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 01/01/2024 | Tardiness | Verbal Warning |
| 01/15/2024 | Tardiness | Written Warning |
| 02/01/2024 | Tardiness | Final Written Warning |
Email Example: First Written Warning for Attendance
Subject: Written Warning – Attendance
Dear [Employee Name],
This email serves as a written warning regarding your attendance. Our records show that you have been late to work on multiple occasions this month, specifically on [Dates]. This is a violation of our company policy on attendance, outlined in the employee handbook on page [Page number].
This is a serious issue because [Explain why attendance is important]. You were previously informed of the attendance policy on [Date of verbal warning or previous communication].
As a result, you are receiving a written warning. This will remain in your employee file for [Duration]. You are expected to arrive on time for all scheduled shifts. Continued tardiness will result in further disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.
Please confirm your understanding of this warning by replying to this email. If you have any questions, please contact me.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
Email Example: Addressing Performance Issues
Subject: Performance Improvement Plan
Dear [Employee Name],
This email is to address recent concerns regarding your performance in the role of [Job Title]. Specifically, we have noticed [Specific performance issues]. This falls short of the expectations outlined in your job description and company standards.
To help you improve, we are implementing a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP). The PIP will include [Specific goals], [Timeline for achieving goals], and [Support provided, e.g., training, mentoring]. You will be evaluated on these goals on [Review date].
Failure to meet the objectives outlined in the PIP may result in further disciplinary action, up to and including termination. Please review the attached PIP document, which includes detailed information. We are committed to supporting you through this process and encourage you to reach out to me with any questions.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
Email Example: Addressing a Policy Violation (Dress Code)
Subject: Written Warning – Dress Code Violation
Dear [Employee Name],
This email is a written warning regarding a violation of the company’s dress code policy, as outlined in the employee handbook on page [page number]. On [Date], you were observed [describe the violation, e.g., wearing inappropriate attire].
This is a violation of our dress code policy, which is in place to [explain the reason for the policy, e.g., maintain a professional environment]. You were previously reminded about the dress code on [Date of previous communication, if any].
You are expected to adhere to the dress code policy moving forward. Continued violations of the dress code will result in further disciplinary action, including suspension or termination. Please confirm your understanding of this warning by replying to this email.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
Email Example: Addressing a Conduct Issue (Insubordination)
Subject: Written Warning – Insubordination
Dear [Employee Name],
This email serves as a written warning for an incident of insubordination that occurred on [Date]. Specifically, you [Describe the insubordinate action, e.g., refused to follow a direct instruction from your supervisor].
This behavior is a violation of company policy regarding respectful workplace behavior and adherence to supervisory directives, as outlined in the employee handbook on page [page number]. Such actions disrupt the workplace and undermine the authority of management.
It is imperative that you comply with all instructions given by your supervisors and treat all colleagues with respect. Any further instances of insubordination will result in further disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment. Please acknowledge receipt of this email and confirm your understanding of the expectations moving forward.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
Email Example: Addressing a Confidentiality Breach
Subject: Written Warning – Breach of Confidentiality
Dear [Employee Name],
This email is to address a serious breach of confidentiality that occurred on [Date]. Specifically, you [Describe the breach, e.g., discussed confidential client information with an unauthorized person]. This is a violation of our company’s confidentiality policy, as stated in the employee handbook on page [page number].
Maintaining client and company confidentiality is critical to our operations and our legal obligations. The unauthorized sharing of this information is unacceptable and could have serious consequences.
You are required to immediately cease any further disclosure of confidential information and to adhere to all company policies regarding confidentiality. Any further breaches of confidentiality will result in immediate disciplinary action, including potential termination of employment. Please confirm your understanding of this warning.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
Email Example: Addressing Workplace Harassment
Subject: Written Warning – Harassment
Dear [Employee Name],
This email is to inform you of a written warning for engaging in behavior that violates our company’s anti-harassment policy. Specifically, on [Date], [Describe the harassing behavior, e.g., you made inappropriate comments to a coworker]. This is in violation of our policy against harassment, outlined in the employee handbook on page [page number].
Our policy prohibits any form of harassment in the workplace, and we take any such reports very seriously. We expect all employees to treat each other with respect and to create a safe and inclusive working environment.
Continued instances of harassment will result in more severe disciplinary action, up to and including termination of your employment. You are also required to [Any other action, e.g., attend a mandatory training session on workplace harassment].
Please acknowledge receipt of this warning and confirm that you understand and will adhere to our company’s policies on harassment.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title]
Writing disciplinary emails can be tough, but following these guidelines will help. Be clear, fair, and professional in all your communication. Remember to document everything and follow your company’s policies and any applicable laws. If you’re ever unsure, always consult with your HR department or a legal professional to make sure you’re doing things the right way.