What to do if an employee becomes a potential liability

Business partners, employees and other team members are all pivotal to the success of a company. One bad apple can reek havoc, or worse, expose the company to liability.

Over the years, you’ve tried your best to foster a positive working environment. You expect every member of your board, managers and employees to work hard. However, if someone begins to act inappropriately with internal or external partners, your human resources department may need to step in. You may also wish to consult an attorney who can provide corporate counseling services.

Does the employee have a legitimate grievance?

It’s important to remember that when an employee acts up it may not be a personal reflection on you or your business. Rather than viewing disruptive behavior as a personal attack, try to keep things strictly professional. If they have a legitimate grievance, then you might be able to find a solution promptly. If something work-related has led to their disruptive behavior, other employees may be affected too, and it could only be a matter of time until other workers start causing issues.

Be clear in your instructions

Once you have identified the issue, it’s important to set out clearly how you intend to resolve it and what you expect from your workers. It may benefit you to implement new employment contracts that set out policies on how such issues are addressed, should they arise again. When you and your employees are on the same page with clear rights and obligations set out for all parties, disputes are less likely to arise.

You have legal rights

If an employee is not carrying out their duties to the expected standards, then you do have options open to you. However, it’s important that you follow the law rigidly when taking disciplinary measures.

We help businesses handle difficulties with employees and internal conflicts. Contact us for a consultation.