How Can We Address Employee Discipline Issues and Implement Effective Codes of Conduct?

To all,

I want to introduce discipline to our employees. Our employees are mostly undisciplined. They disobey superiors, are busy with mobile phones, have Gutkha addiction, come late, leave early, and have issues with absenteeism, etc. Which laws provide provisions to improve this? What are the codes of conduct, and what is the procedure for disciplinary action? Please guide me.

Nitesh Prajapati

Hi,

It would be better if you create an induction program first to introduce all the policies of the organization to the employees. Educate the employees on these policies. If any policy violations occur repeatedly, implement a single disciplinary action such as a warning letter before considering dismissal. Provide some notice time, and if the issue persists, proceed with termination based on disciplinary actions.

Following this process will help maintain a proper queue of actions.

Good times!

Regards,
Bharath

You can also create a "Code of Conduct" manual, wherein all the do's and don'ts are clearly written, breaching which strong disciplinary action should be taken.

Make the systems strong and follow them effectively. People will come in line. Also, make the most indisciplined coordinator the process owner (as done in school where the most rowdy boy is the monitor of the class).

You can do it.

Regards,
Prakhar

Hi dear,

First of all, your organization should have a code of conduct for your employees. You should clearly communicate this code of conduct to all of them through notices or any verbal communication. After that, if they do not follow the code of conduct, you should take proper disciplinary action.

Regards,
Ajay

First of all, you should draft a policy and procedures handbook, specifically an employee handbook outlining the do's and don'ts in the workplace. Additionally, you should provide induction to your employees as they might be taking things for granted. Explain to them that their salary is not solely based on their work performance but also on their punctuality and conduct.

Hope this advice helps. If you have any queries, feel free to ask.

Have a nice day.

First of all, analyze your company's policies. I think there is no need to take any disciplinary action now. First, create an atmosphere for discipline. Make a circular according to your policies and have it signed (only some of the most). Then, observe the reactions. According to the situation, take action.

Regards, MM Yadav
Email: mmkhola_hrm@yahoo.com

Hi Friend,

It is not only your issue but also a problem for many other HR professionals. However, don't worry, it is manageable. I have attached a sample policy for your reference; you can modify it according to your company/organization.

Thanks,
Deepak

Dear Nitesh Prajapati,

Please do mention your industry type and your role in your organization, along with other relevant details, for the members to provide you with valuable feedback.

Thank you.

Hi, Before we jump the gun, let me ask you, what is your vision of a productive employee? Do you think people are basically lazy and require the whip to put them in place? Or are they basically good-hearted and WANT to work? Discipline happens when the following things are in place:

1. People know what they are supposed to do (it helps if they also know why they should do it).
2. People are motivated to do it (how will it help THEM if they do what you say?).
3. People need regular feedback to know how they are doing.

I am a person who is fascinated by human nature (and that is why I have a Ph.D. in the topic). I believe people are basically good and they do not WANT to ruin the company they work in. Perhaps your management too requires training to understand that people are valuable resources with a will of their own, and not quite comparable to bullocks who can be used to plow land?

Hi Nitesh,

You have received all nice replies from our above friends. With that, I would like to suggest the following practical things that might work out if taken seriously:

1. Without spending much time, find out the reason why your staff is not disciplined. Maybe they are not satisfied with the work process, work environment, salary, etc. Deal with each member personally to find out the problem.
2. Think of new and interesting work processes, incentive plans, fringes, and perks to motivate them.
3. Ask for their participation in minor decision-making like suggestions, ideas, etc. so that they will feel recognized and have a sense of belonging to your company.
4. Have some fun games and affordable parties to encourage them.
5. Finally, if nothing works, consider changing your staff. You can fire the individuals responsible for indiscipline in your company. You might have heard the Hindi phrase, "ek gandi machli pure talab ko ganda kar deti hai." After all, you are in business.

Hi friends,

I would like to share my policy to tackle discipline-related problems. If an employee is caught doing something wrong, we immediately give them a Warning Memo. If the mistake is repeated again, we impose a penalty of an absentee day. If the same issues persist with a particular employee, we may consider changing their work location, job profile, or working pattern.

Regards,
Shruti