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Free Printable Employee Warning Notice Templates [PDF & Excel]

    An Employee Warning Notice is a formal document used by employers to communicate with an employee who has violated company policies or rules. It serves as a written record of the infraction and provides the employee with an opportunity to correct their behavior.

    The purpose of an Employee Warning Notice is to bring attention to the issue and to set expectations for future conduct in the workplace. The effective use of this tool can help to improve overall workplace performance and maintain a positive and productive work environment.

    Employee Warning Notice Templates

    Employee warning notice templates are documents that employers use to inform employees of unacceptable behavior or poor performance. These templates typically outline the specific details of the employee’s infraction, including dates, times, and descriptions of the behavior or performance issue. They may also include any relevant company policies, expectations, and consequences for further violations. Employee warning notice templates can be an effective tool for promoting accountability and maintaining a productive work environment.

    Why should you use an Employee Written Warning Form?

    Employee Warning Notice
    Employee Warning Notice

    There are several reasons why an employer might choose to use an Employee Written Warning Form:

    Documentation: A written warning serves as a documented record of the infraction and the steps taken to address it. This documentation can be useful in the event of future disciplinary action or termination.

    Communication: The written warning provides a clear and concise method for communicating the infraction to the employee and the expectations for future conduct. This can help to reduce confusion and ensure that the employee fully understands the situation.

    Clarity: The written warning clearly outlines the policy or rule that the employee has violated, the evidence supporting the violation, and the consequences of continued violations. This helps to eliminate misunderstandings and ensure that the employee is aware of the seriousness of the infraction.

    Consistency: The use of a standard Employee Written Warning Form helps to ensure that disciplinary actions are applied consistently and fairly across all employees.

    Improvement: The written warning serves as a tool for improvement by setting expectations for future conduct and providing the employee with an opportunity to correct their behavior. This can help to improve overall workplace performance and maintain a positive and productive work environment.

    What to include in an employee warning notice

    An Employee Warning Notice should include the following elements:

    Date of the notice: The date on which the notice is issued.

    Employee Information: Name, job title, and contact information of the employee who is receiving the notice.

    Details of the infraction: A clear and concise description of the policy or rule that the employee has violated.

    Evidence of the infraction: Any supporting documentation or witness statements that demonstrate the violation.

    Consequences of continued violation: A description of the potential disciplinary actions that may be taken if the employee does not correct their behavior.

    Expectations for future conduct: A clear description of what the employee needs to do to correct their behavior and avoid future violations.

    Signature line: A space for the employee to sign the notice to acknowledge that they have received it.

    What method should you use to deliver a warning notice to an employee?

    The method for delivering a warning notice to an employee depends on the specific circumstances and the company’s policies. Here are a few common methods for delivering an Employee Warning Notice:

    In-person meeting: Schedule a private, face-to-face meeting with the employee to discuss the behavior or performance issue and present the written warning. This allows for open communication and an opportunity for the employee to ask questions or provide an explanation.

    Email: Deliver the written warning via email, with a follow-up meeting scheduled to discuss the issue further if necessary. This method is appropriate if the issue is not of a sensitive nature or if the employee is remote or working off-site.

    Mail: Deliver the written warning via physical mail. This method may be used if the employee is not available for an in-person or email meeting, or if the company requires a physical copy of the warning on file.

    Regardless of the method used, it is important to ensure that the employee receives the warning in a timely manner and that the warning is clear, concise, and accurate. The employee should also be informed of the consequences of continued infractions, including potential disciplinary action.

    When to Give an Employee Warning Notice:

    An Employee Warning Notice may be appropriate in the following circumstances:

    Policy violations: When an employee violates company policies or rules, it may be appropriate to issue a written warning.

    Poor performance: If an employee is consistently failing to meet job expectations, a written warning may be used to address the issue and provide an opportunity for improvement.

    Inappropriate behavior: If an employee engages in behavior that is deemed inappropriate or disruptive, a written warning may be necessary to correct the behavior and ensure a safe and productive workplace.

    Attendance issues: If an employee has a pattern of excessive absenteeism or tardiness, a written warning may be appropriate to address the issue and set expectations for future attendance.

    Safety violations: If an employee engages in behavior that poses a safety risk to themselves or others, a written warning may be necessary to correct the behavior and ensure a safe workplace.

    How to Give an Employee Warning Notice:

    Schedule a meeting: Schedule a private meeting with the employee to discuss the infraction and provide the written warning.

    Be specific: Be clear and specific about the infraction and the evidence supporting it. Provide the employee with a copy of the written warning and allow them to ask questions.

    Listen: Allow the employee to respond and listen to their perspective on the situation.

    Emphasize expectations: Emphasize the expectations for future conduct and the consequences of continued violations.

    Follow up: Follow up with the employee after a specified period of time to determine if their behavior has improved.

    Document: Document the meeting and the written warning in the employee’s file for future reference.

    Maintain a professional tone: Use a neutral and professional tone in the written warning and during the meeting. Avoid using threatening language or being confrontational.

    Offer support: Offer support to the employee to help them improve their behavior and avoid future infractions. This may include additional training or resources.

    Be consistent: Ensure that written warnings are applied consistently and fairly across all employees.

    Avoid discrimination: Avoid discrimination or harassment in the application of written warnings. Ensure that the policy violations are being applied equally to all employees, regardless of race, gender, religion, or any other protected characteristic.

    Review and update policies: Regularly review and update company policies to ensure they are clear, concise, and in line with current laws and regulations.

    Seek legal advice: If there are any legal concerns or questions, seek the advice of a lawyer or HR professional.

    In conclusion, the effective use of Employee Written Warning Forms can help to improve overall workplace performance and maintain a positive and productive work environment. However, it is important to use them in a fair, consistent, and professional manner, following all relevant laws and regulations.

    Sample Employee Warning Notice Template

    [Date]

    [Employee Name]

    [Employee Address]

    [City, State ZIP Code]

    Dear [Employee Name],

    This is a written warning in regards to [specific issue or behavior]. Our company policies and/or performance expectations have been violated and this behavior must be corrected immediately.

    [Description of the issue or behavior, including specific incidents or dates if applicable].

    It is expected that all employees adhere to the standards set forth in our company policies and guidelines, and your recent behavior falls short of these standards. Moving forward, we expect you to [correct the behavior or improve performance in a specific manner].

    Please be advised that any further violations of company policies or expectations may result in more severe disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.

    If you have any questions or would like to discuss this matter further, please do not hesitate to schedule a meeting with me.

    Sincerely,

    [Your Name]

    [Your Title]

    [Company Name]

    cc: [Human Resources/Supervisor Name]

    How to Make Employee Warning Notice Template

    Here is a step-by-step guide for creating an Employee Warning Notice template:

    Start with the header: Include the date, employee name, and address at the top of the notice.

    Greet the employee: Begin with a formal greeting, such as “Dear [Employee Name],”

    Identify the issue: Clearly state the reason for the warning and describe the specific issue or behavior that needs to be corrected. Be specific and provide details, including dates and incidents if applicable.

    Explain company expectations: Remind the employee of the company’s policies and expectations and explain how the recent behavior falls short of these standards.

    Provide a course of action: Outline the steps that the employee needs to take to correct the behavior or improve performance. Specify a timeline for improvement if necessary.

    Consequence of future violations: Explain the consequences of continued infractions, including potential disciplinary action.

    Close the notice: End with a polite statement inviting the employee to schedule a meeting if they have questions or would like to discuss the matter further. Include a closing, such as “Sincerely,” followed by your name, title, and company name.

    Add a cc: Include a carbon copy to HR or the employee’s supervisor to ensure that all relevant parties are aware of the warning.

    Save the template: Save the template as a document that can be used for future reference and customization for each individual situation.

    Signature of the supervisor or HR representative: A signature line for the supervisor or HR representative who issued the notice, to demonstrate that it was reviewed and approved.

    FAQs

    Can an Employee Warning Notice be given verbally?

    An Employee Warning Notice can be given verbally, but it’s best practice to provide a written copy for the employee’s records. A written warning helps to ensure that the employee is aware of the issue and the steps they need to take to correct the behavior, and it provides a documented record of the warning in case future disciplinary action is necessary.

    What should be done after an Employee Warning Notice is issued?

    After an Employee Warning Notice is issued, the employee should be given an opportunity to correct the behavior or improve performance. The manager or HR representative should also schedule follow-up meetings to check in on the employee’s progress and address any additional concerns. If the employee does not improve, further disciplinary action may be necessary.

    Can an Employee Warning Notice lead to termination?

    An Employee Warning Notice can potentially lead to termination if the employee does not correct the behavior or improve performance. The notice serves as a warning that continued infractions may result in disciplinary action, including termination of employment.

    Can an Employee Warning Notice be rescinded?

    Yes, an Employee Warning Notice can be rescinded if the employee corrects the behavior or improves performance to meet company standards. It is important for the manager or HR representative to monitor the employee’s progress and remove the warning if appropriate.

    Is an Employee Warning Notice a part of the employee’s permanent record?

    Yes, an Employee Warning Notice is usually a part of the employee’s permanent record. This is why it is important for the notice to be accurate and specific, and for the employee to be given the opportunity to correct the behavior or improve performance.

    Can an Employee Warning Notice be appealed?

    Yes, an Employee Warning Notice can be appealed by the employee if they believe that the warning is unjustified. The employee should raise their concerns with their manager or HR representative and request a review of the situation. The appeal should be reviewed by an impartial party to ensure that the warning was issued fairly and in accordance with company policies and procedures.

    Should an Employee Warning Notice be documented in writing?

    Yes, it is best practice to document an Employee Warning Notice in writing. A written warning provides a record of the issue, the steps the employee needs to take to correct the behavior, and any consequences of continued infractions. This documentation can be used as evidence in case further disciplinary action is necessary.

    What happens if the employee refuses to sign the Employee Warning Notice?

    If an employee refuses to sign an Employee Warning Notice, the manager or HR representative should make a note of the refusal on the notice and provide the employee with a copy for their records. The notice is still considered valid even if the employee does not sign it.

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    Betina Jessen

    Betina Jessen

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