CONSEQUENCES

• The client struggled to meet their deadlines.

• Additional pressure was placed on other team members.

• The employee's reliability was in question.

• There were growing concerns for the employee's welfare.

ACTIONS TAKEN

Despite issuing a written warning, the employee had three more unauthorised absences within two weeks. Rather than immediately moving to the second stage of disciplinary action, we considered the employee's mental health and offered an alternative to avoid a stressful and time-consuming investigation and disciplinary hearing.

RESOLUTION

We proposed a settlement agreement with enhanced terms. This provided the employee with financial security during their recovery period and would quickly bring the issues to an end.

OUTCOME

For the client, this approach quickly resolved the issue of an unreliable employee affecting productivity and team workload. It also demonstrated a compassionate consideration of the employee's needs, balancing both business aims and well-being considerations.