progressive discipline

Progressive discipline is an employment practice in which an employer addresses an employee’s performance or behavioral problems through a structured sequence of escalating disciplinary measures. The purpose of progressive discipline is to correct misconduct or poor performance by providing notice and an opportunity to improve, rather than proceeding directly to termination. The process generally begins with a verbal warning, followed by a written warning, suspension, and ultimately termination if the employee fails to improve. Employers may adjust or bypass steps depending on the seriousness of the misconduct or applicable policy, provided the action is documented and based on legitimate business reasons to prevent claims of unfair/disparate treatment or discrimination.

[Last reviewed in October of 2025 by the Wex Definitions Team]

Keywords

• labor and employment law

Wex

• LIFE EVENTS
• employment
• labor law
• wex definitions
• employment law
• individual rights