Progressive Discipline

A Progressive Discipline policy explains how your organization typically addresses performance or conduct issues through escalating steps (like coaching, verbal and written warnings, suspension, and termination), while preserving at-will employment where applicable, allowing flexibility to skip steps when warranted, and protecting employees' rights under laws like the National Labor Relations Act.

How to Write a Progressive Discipline Policy

• Start with why progressive discipline is how your organization operates.
• State the expectation for meeting performance and conduct standards at work.
• Explain that the goal of discipline is to understand the issue and correct it before it escalates.
• Describe the typical progression of discipline steps from verbal warning through termination.
• Clarify that your organization may skip, combine, or reorder steps based on the situation.
• Confirm the policy does not change at-will employment or create a guarantee of continued employment.
• Include a statement that the policy does not limit employees' rights to engage in protected concerted activity.

For advice on writing a Progressive Discipline policy in a specific jurisdiction, see below.