What is the record of discussion with an employee?

Asked by: Jacquelyn Hudson  |  Last update: November 16, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (12 votes)

Employee Record of Discussion. This form is used to formally address developing performance/conduct concerns, to provide early intervention and assess training and development needs to prevent future incidents.

Is a record of discussion a warning?

While you could commence disciplinary action resulting in a formal warning, we recommend the use of a Record of Discussion form to address minor misdemeanours and adhoc issues which don't necessarily warrant disciplinary action.

What is a documented discussion at work?

And by documented I don't mean pages and pages of notes, or formal letters, depending on the circumstances it could be as simple as a file note in your diary, against the employee file or anywhere else you can maintain a confidential record of when and where the discussion happened, what was discussed, and what action ...

How to document a discussion with an employee?

Proper documentation processes
  1. Record dates and names. When holding a formal conversation related to performance, record the date and everyone involved. ...
  2. Set expectations. ...
  3. Highlight the good and the bad. ...
  4. Specify objective changes. ...
  5. Include employee input. ...
  6. Establish goals. ...
  7. Create a timeline. ...
  8. Follow up with the employee.

Does a record of discussion need to be signed?

Employers are advised to always keep written records throughout the process of managing performance or conduct issues. If other people are present in the meeting you may wish to ask them to sign your record to verify it (if they agree with it), however they are not required to do so.

How to Conduct a Performance Review When You're a Manager or Leader

20 related questions found

What is the employee record of discussion?

Employee Record of Discussion. This form is used to formally address developing performance/conduct concerns, to provide early intervention and assess training and development needs to prevent future incidents.

Can an employee secretly record a conversation?

As many of you know, California is a dual-consent state, which means that the general rule regarding recording of conversations is that both parties must consent.

When to document employee issues?

Documenting performance issues is crucial, especially when dealing with employees who have previously filed complaints against your company. While retaliation protections don't extend to legitimate, performance-based concerns, proper documentation is essential in these high-stakes situations.

How do you have a disciplinary meeting with an employee?

7 Tips for Effective Employee Disciplinary Meetings
  1. Own Your Employees' Performance Issues. ...
  2. Know When to Escalate. ...
  3. Be Fair. ...
  4. Be Sensitive to Extenuating Circumstances. ...
  5. Proceed Gradually and Deliberately. ...
  6. Know Your Legal Requirements. ...
  7. Close the Meeting on a Positive Note.

How do you document unprofessional behavior in the workplace?

Present the issue: Clearly explain the problem, how it affects the team or company, and what behavior needs correction. Provide the written warning: Give the person a formal written document that outlines the issue, expectations for improvement, and consequences if it continues.

What is an employee disciplinary report?

An employee disciplinary action form is a document that informs an individual of their inability to meet employment expectations and includes actions that will be taken as a result.

Why is documenting conversations important?

Early documentation can help prevent misunderstandings and provide a record if issues escalate. Even if things seem fine, it's worth documenting major conversations—such as performance reviews, raises, or new responsibilities.

What is a discussion in the workplace?

Discussion at work typically refers to any collaborative way of talking about workplace topics.

What is an unfair written warning at work?

What counts as an unfair written warning? A warning is not fair if it is vague and does not clearly identify the issues sufficiently enough to allow you to address the problem. A warning may be a distraction to demoralize you.

Can I record a conversation if I feel threatened at work?

California is a “two-party consent” state, meaning it is illegal to record a private conversation without the other person's consent. Even if your boss is yelling at you or treating you hostility in the privacy of their office, you cannot record the conversation and use it as evidence of harassment or discrimination.

Can I refuse a meeting with HR?

Cooperate with HR if asked, but be smart about it.

In either case, you want to avoid doing anything that could get you labeled as œinsubordinate or fired while you figure out what the situation is, and this includes outright refusing to meet with HR.

What happens if an employee refuses to attend a disciplinary meeting to?

Therefore, if an employee fails to turn up to a disciplinary or grievance meeting, you should, in the first instance, try to rearrange the meeting for another time. If they fail to attend for a second time, you should delve into the reasons why; for example, they may be too sick to attend.

How many write ups before termination?

How many employee write-ups before termination? The exact number depends on your company's progressive discipline policy. A common practice is three write-ups.

How long can an employer wait to discipline an employee?

There are no time limits in regards to disciplining an employee. However, the sooner the better. Excessive delays can be unconvincing and hurt the employers' defense in a disciplinary case.

What documents should not be in an employee file?

Under California law an employee does not have the right to review the following:
  • Records relating to the investigation of a possible criminal offense.
  • Letters of reference.
  • Ratings, reports, or records that were: Obtained from the employee's prior employer. Prepared by identifiable examination committee members.

What is a documented conversation at work?

How To Document Verbal Conversations. Create a written document, memorandum or email for every important conversation, verbal warning or counseling session. Include who was present for the conversation, a summary of the key issues that were discussed and the responses given by the employee.

What are 3 conditions that may be included in a written employee contract?

Examples of job-specific conditions of employment include:
  • Days and hours of employment.
  • Whether the employee is exempt or non-exempt.
  • Compensation.
  • Job description and duties.
  • Non-compete provisions.
  • How disputes will be resolved.
  • Benefits not all employees receive, such as extra vacation time or profit sharing.

Am I allowed to record a meeting with HR?

The majority of states require that only one party needs to consent to a recording—whereas 13 states require all-party consent. All-party consent states include: California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania and Washington.

Can you get fired for recording a conversation with your boss?

It's important to note, though, that while an employee might be violating his or her employer's policy by making a recording in the workplace (and could be disciplined up to and including termination), a recording that was legally made could still be admissible in court.

Can I record a meeting without consent?

But, in a dozen or so states, the law requires all parties to the conversation to consent to a recording (for most purposes). These all-party consent states include California, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Washington.