What is meant by "progressive discipline"?

Progressive discipline refers to a systematic approach to addressing employee misconduct or performance issues by employing increasingly severe disciplinary measures as necessary. This process begins with less severe actions, such as verbal warnings or counseling, and escalates to more severe consequences, such as written warnings, suspension, or even termination if the misconduct or performance issues persist.

The objective of progressive discipline is to provide employees with opportunities to correct their behavior before more severe actions are taken. This method emphasizes fairness and consistency in the disciplinary process, allowing employees to understand the repercussions of their actions while also giving them the chance to improve. This approach is beneficial as it promotes better communication between management and employees and can help maintain a more positive work environment by focusing on corrective actions rather than punitive measures alone.