It is helpful to remind employers the difference between employee performance issues and discipline issues.
Below is a quick reference:
| Performance Management | Disciplinary Action |
| Based on standards for acceptable performance | Based on standards of conduct (i.e. workplace rules) |
| Occurs with regular evaluations and feedback —requires communication |
Occurs when a rule is broken or misconduct occurs —requires investigation |
| Can support a termination without cause, as long as policies are consistently followed and non-discriminatory | Can support a termination, based on misconduct that rises to cause or violation of specific rules in Employee Handbook or other communications |
Reference: HR Daily, SHRM.org
