Human Resource managers and business professionals attended Myers Fletcher & Gordon (MF&G) and the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce's (JCC) Wednesday morning seminar on 'Disciplinary Policies' recently to better equip their institutions in efforts to deter misconduct, but more important save money, and protect the organisation and its workers.

The morning's presenter, Gavin Goffe, partner at MF&G, framed hallmarks for a strong disciplinary policy, which he said should be written, tailored to the specific organisation, revised in keeping with changes, made available to workers, and lawful. He also said that the policy should include definitions, timelines as to when complaints, investigations, charges and hearings should be done, and responsibilities of managers and human resource departments, to ensure action and follow through.

Disciplinary Process

Goffe underscored the fact that many businesses are losing cases at the Industrial Disputes Tribunal because they did not have a strong disciplinary policy to guide them in dismissing workers. Other common mistakes that were discussed included implementing a disciplinary process to deal with cases of poor performance and confusing the grievance process with the disciplinary process.

Categorising offences as minor, major and gross, and stipulating how each should be handled, in addition to identifying instances of actions crossing over from one category to another were also discussed with the capacity audience. Goffe concluded by reaffirming that there is no set template for a disciplinary policy and that each organisation should construct and implement such policies that best serve and safeguard their establishment.

Full Caption: From left: Gavin Goffe, partner, Myers Fletcher & Gordon (MF&G); Marguerite Cremin, director, Jamaica Chamber of Commerce (JCC); and Charmaine Russell, human resource and administration manager, Fraser Fontaine & Kong Ltd, caught in good spirits at a Wednesday morning seminar recently hosted by MF&G and JCC, where the topic 'Disciplinary Policies 101' was presented. - Contributed