HR Headaches

"The Negative Nellie"

"I have an employee with a negative 'can't do' attitude. I need to tackle this but I am confused as to whether this is a performance or misconduct issue."

Scenario

Managing difficult employees is a challenge most in management positions will face from time to time, and a negative attitude does nothing for team morale. Some employees are inherently incapable of behaving in a constructive and professional manner. Put simply, a negative attitude is a part of their character. For others, a continually negative attitude is due to a lack of desire, for whatever reason, to improve their behavior.

What is the best way to tackle this issue?

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Resolution

If you can determine the root cause of the poor attitude, this may help. An inability to improve attitude will normally be a capability issue. A deliberate refusal to improve attitude and behavior would be misconduct. However, this will not always be easy to determine.

In practical terms, the choice of procedure typically only becomes an issue if the employee is dismissed and claims unfair dismissal. If you can show you carefully considered which procedure was the most appropriate (capability or disciplinary) and followed that procedure in accordance with best practice, you should be in a good position to argue that the process applied was fair.

Important Note : Atypical behaviors and emotional reactions can arise as a result of certain medical conditions, so be aware of this when assessing your approach.

Solution

T rain your front line managers on how to manage , take action and combat under- performing employees. Develop a consistent process to be followed.

BEST SOLUTION:

Call Alternative HRD!

Managing poor performance is rarely simple or swift. We can assist you with creating an evaluation system, communicating expectations, training and development, giving performance feedback, coaching, and much more! Contact us today at 605.335.8198!

Did You Know?

The EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission) Updates Guidance As Return-to-Work Accelerates

The June 11, 2020 guidance updates address Return to Work, Age, Caregiver/Family Responsibilities and Pregnancy questions that employers and employees may have as they adjust to no longer working from home.

Click here for additional information!

The IRS Offers Leeway in Light of the Ongoing Pandemic

For all the employees who were blindsided by the coronavirus, the IRS is offering the option to employers to allow employees to make changes to their health plan, health FSAs, and dependent FSAs, but only for 2020.

Click here to learn more about the new IRS ruling!