The following areas require prompt, accurate documentation:  Employment Interviews, Progressive Discipline, Firing, Accidents, and Unusual Occurrences.   Listed below are the key components of the progressive discipline documentation.

	Document the facts only.  Record your observations, not your interpretation.  Examples of facts to include are times, dates, details, quotes, specific facts, names of others present or directly involved.
	Document verbal warnings.  The employee does not need to receive a copy of the verbal warning, but the documentation should include the fact that the employee was made aware of what is expected and what the consequences of further disciplinary action are (up to and including termination).  The employee should be requested to acknowledge the warning by signing or initializing the warning.
	Any further warnings to the employee should be formal and written with the employee receiving a copy.  Written warnings should contain the same factual information as the verbal warning.
	A copy of all formal warnings should be maintained in the employee's personnel file.
	Document the results of your follow-up.  The employee's file should contain follow-up notes whether or not the employee has shown improvement.
	Prepare a clear final warning before the employee is terminated.
	Have a written policy and procedure for the disciplinary process as well as the documentation of the process.
	Assure that supervisors know and follow the established policies and procedures.

Key elements of a warning -

• Purpose of corrective action
• Factual statement of the conduct or performance
• A statement of performance standards or conduct that is expected of the employee in the future.
• A plan of action for the employee to take to improve performance or conduct.  Include resources that the employee can use for help such as co-workers, procedure manuals, etc.
• Explanation of consequences of further disciplinary action.  This should always be the same - up to and including termination.
• A time frame to accomplish the plan of action.
• Signature of the employee.