How Do You Deal with Problem Employees?
Many workers do their jobs and cause few problems. Nevertheless, some employees do not do their jobs well and cause problems at the workplace.
Each problem employee’s nature and situation differs. So, there is no one-size-fits-all solution for every problem employee and his or her situation. However, here are some tips that might assist you in dealing with problem employees:
First, Listen. Do not tune out the problem employee. Hear what he or she has to say and consider his or her perspective. As a result, you and your employee may reach a mutually satisfactory understanding, and his or her behavior or attitude may improve. He or she even may alert you to a legitimate problem or concern that may affect the bottom line.
Second, do not complain to outsiders about the problem employee. Unless there is unlawful discrimination in the workplace, as a general rule, employers in Tennessee may hire or fire an employee for any reason or no reason. But if you bad-mouth an employee to third parties and the employee learns about it, you may expose yourself to a lawsuit.
Third, give your employee feedback related to job performance. Try to keep him or her from being defensive.
Fourth, document your problem employee’s bad behavior.
Fifth, be consistent in your words and actions, and again do not spread false information or contribute to the rumor mill about your problem employee.
Sixth, tell your problem employee what the consequences are if his or her behavior does not improve. If the situation still does not improve, then you might have to terminate your problem employee. If the company has termination procedures, follow them.
These tips do not fit every situation. In some situations, legal action might be necessary.
If there is any hint that the problem employee will allege that he or she was a victim of unlawful discrimination or you fear that firing a problem employee will trigger repercussions for you or your firm, talk to a lawyer. For more information, contact Nashville Attorney Perry A. Craft.
Perry A. Craft has dedicated his life to helping people in need. He has tried, settled, or resolved numerous civil and criminal cases in State and Federal courts, and has represented teachers and administrators before school boards, administrative judges, and the state Board of Education. Learn more about Attorney Craft.