Progressive discipline is designed to improve employee performance while allowing the employer to document its efforts should discharge be necessary. Progressive discipline provides for a series of steps designed to remedy problems. If the problem is not remedied at the first stage, the next step is implemented until either the problem is resolved or the employee is discharged. Progressive discipline is not appropriate for serious infractions such as illegal or unethical conduct. Such conduct warrants immediate termination provided that in the past the employer terminated employees under similar circumstances.
Progressive discipline requires a lot of documentation.
It must be administered consistently. Progressive discipline also requires supervisor training on how and when to administer the various stages. A representative of the employer must monitor the program to ensure that it is being applied uniformly among the departments. The progressive discipline model has been criticized because some employers feel that it is too structured and eliminates the employer's flexibility in employment decisions. Failure to follow the sometimes rigid progressive discipline program has also resulted in liability for employers in disparate treatment cases.