Question

A supervisor noted that the quality of work produced by an employee was declining because of excessive tardiness. The best initial course of action would be

A. Dismiss the employee for not working enough hours
B. Report the employee to the facility manager
C. Issue a verbal warning to the employee
D. Transfer the employee to a flex-time position

Answer 1

The best initial action for addressing an employee's declining work quality due to tardiness is to issue a verbal warning. This allows for direct communication and the opportunity for the employee to improve their punctuality.

Step-by-step explanation:

When dealing with an employee whose quality of work is declining due to excessive tardiness, the best initial course of action is to communicate directly with the individual. Considering the historical context of strict punctuality in workplaces, an initial lenient approach can be warranted, especially if this is the first time the issue has been noted.

A verbal warning can serve as a corrective measure while still upholding a professional environment. It allows the supervisor to discuss the importance of punctuality, and its impact on productivity and allows the employee to explain any factors contributing to their lateness. This step also aligns with learning from vicarious experiences; for example, observing a coworker being reprimanded for tardiness may lead others to adjust their behavior to avoid similar consequences.

Therefore, the correct option is:
C. Issue a verbal warning to the employee. This approach tends to be part of a progressive discipline policy and is typically the first step in addressing minor workplace issues. It can be followed by more severe actions if the behavior does not change.