Dealing With Problem Employees

This practical guide covers everything from performance evaluations and discipline policies to the law of wrongful termination and post-firing issues. It explains the law, how to decide whether to fire, how to break the news, severance packages and more.

Introduction

The High Cost of Problem Employees

2

(3)

How This Book Can Help

5

(1)

Who Should Read This Book

6

(1)

Who Should Not Read This Book

6

(1)

Icons Used in This Book

7

What's Your Problem?

Performance or Productivity Problems

5

(2)

Interpersonal Problems

7

(5)

Insubordination

12

(4)

Excessive Absenteeism

16

(3)

Drugs and Alcohol

19

(7)

Theft and Dishonesty

26

(1)

Violence

26

(1)

Morality Issues

27

Employment Law Basics

Employment at Will

2

(5)

Employment Contracts

7

(13)

Breaches of Good Faith and Fair Dealing

20

(1)

Violations of Public Policy

21

(3)

Discrimination and Retaliation

24

Performance Evaluations

The Benefits of an Evaluation System

3

(3)

Step 1: Create Performance Objectives

6

(5)

Step 2: Observe and Document Employee Performance

11

(7)

Step 3: Conduct Interim Meetings to Discuss Progress and Problems

18

(3)

Step 4: Conduct the Year-End Evaluation

21

Progressive Discipline

Getting Results With Progressive Discipline

4

(6)

Using Progressive Discipline in Your Workplace

10

(17)

Guidelines for Effective Discipline

27

(6)

Sample Written Progressive Discipline Policy

33

Complaints and Investigations

When Investigation Is Necessary

4

(4)

Complaint Policies and Procedures

8

(5)

Preparing to Investigate

13

(6)

Conducting Interviews

19

(16)

Written and Physical Evidence

35

(1)

Employees' Rights to Privacy

36

(5)

Making the Decision

41

New Chapter

Types of Alternative Dispute Resolution

5

(13)

Which Procedures Are Right for Your Company?

18

(3)

Tips for Creating an Effective Program

21

Making the Decision to Fire

When to Consider Firing

2

(6)

Making the Decision to Fire: An Employer's Checklist

8

Planning for the Aftermath

Legal Constraints on What You Say

2

(3)

What to Tell Coworkers

5

(1)

What to Tell Reference Seekers

6

(10)

Continuing Health Insurance

16

(2)

Unemployment Compensation

18

(3)

Written Explanations of the Termination

21

Severance and Releases

Are You Obligated to Pay Severance?

4

(6)

If You Have a Choice, Should You Pay Severance?

10

(2)

Should You Ask for a Release?

12

(4)

What Should You Offer?

16

(5)

Writing a Release

21

(8)

Agreements to Protect Your Business

29

How to Fire

The Termination Meeting

4

(18)

The Exit Interview

22

Looking Forward

Improve Your Hiring Process

3

(26)

Workplace Policies

29

Hiring a Lawyer

When to Hire a Lawyer

3

(6)

How to Find a Good Lawyer

9

(6)

Legal Fees

15

(2)

Working With Your Lawyer

17

(2)

Firing a Lawyer

19

(1)

Doing Your Own Legal Research

20

Appendix

Federal Agencies That Enforce Workplace Laws

2

(1)

Federal Fair Employment Laws

3

(4)

State Laws Prohibiting Discrimination in Private Employment

7

(11)

Agencies That Enforce Laws Prohibiting Discrimination in Employment

18

(6)

Departments of Labor

24

(6)

State Departments of Insurance

30

(6)

State OSHA Laws and Offices

36

Index

What is included with this book?

The New copy of this book will include any supplemental materials advertised. Please check the title of the book to determine if it should include any access cards, study guides, lab manuals, CDs, etc.

The Used, Rental and eBook copies of this book are not guaranteed to include any supplemental materials. Typically, only the book itself is included. This is true even if the title states it includes any access cards, study guides, lab manuals, CDs, etc.