Employee Behavior Issues Managers Confront in the Workplace

The managerial team in a place of business has responsibilities to ensure things run smoothly. This includes observing employee behavior both good and non-productive. While everyone has their ups and downs in the workplace, it is important to recognize behavior that is inappropriate or non-productive.

Types

It is important to recognize some of the behaviors that should not be carried out in the workplace. Verbal abuse of any kind toward other employees is not acceptable, according to CNN Money. Any type of bullying or mental abuse of other employees or customers should also be addressed. Arriving late to work regularly, taking a long break or lunch hour, is grounds for probation or termination. Lying, being deceitful or tricking other employees for personal recognition or financial gain is also a type of unacceptable behavior.

Action

Depending on personnel and department policies, some managers will initially give out a verbal warning. If a behavioral issue comes up a second or third time, the employee may have to have a one-on-one meeting with the manager and anyone else involved in the incident. A notice of disciplinary action, similar to that from INC, may be placed in the employees permanent personnel file. Probationary measures may be implemented that include segregation from other employees, temporary suspension with or without pay or termination.

Reasons

A manager's job is to create and develop a professional atmosphere for employees that are both productive and efficient. Speaking to an employee about their behavior is often times written in a manager's protocol. If they do not maintain helpful, courteous and productive staff members, a manager can be fired and released from his duties. Management should make sure that other employees are able to work in a safe and productive environment, free from harassment and ridicule from others.

Outcome

The goal of speaking to someone who has displayed bad behavior in the workplace is to give them a warning about how they have acted and what they have done, explains Entrepreneur. Confronting an employee about their behavior can lead to educating them about what they did and steps to take to improve their behavior. In cases where someone needs to be terminated, a new plan needs to be set in motion for the new hire and to prevent issues from reoccurring.

Prevention

Many times an instance of bad behavior or wrongdoing in the workplace can set an example for other employees and for managers on how to handle similar situations in the future. Setting ground rules inside of the employee handbook can often be enough to get employees to follow through with rules and regulations. Having staff meetings that highlight particular behavioral problems in the workplace -- which are acceptable and which are not, may be helpful in preventing future problems.

Nicole Jacoby, "Etiquette Crisis at Work," CNN Money

"Disciplinary Action Notice," INC

Clinton O. Longenecker & Dennis A. Gioia, "Performance Appraisals," Entrepreneur