When Good Employees Go Bad: What Employers Should Do Next
As your startup grows and takes on employees, it’s essential to manage performance issues as they arise. Even capable, usually reliable employees can sometimes fall short of expectations or behave in ways that disrupt the workplace. Many employers underestimate how quickly performance concerns or misconduct can become legal and operational risks if not handled carefully.
When employee issues are handled inconsistently or without a clear process, they can escalate. What starts as a misunderstanding can become a formal dispute, team morale may decline, and employers could face personal grievance claims or damage to their reputation.
Addressing concerns early, with fair and structured processes, helps businesses resolve issues confidently while protecting both the organisation and the employee relationship.
5 Practical Tips for Managing Performance and Misconduct
- Identify the issue firsteview your structure before you grow: Determine whether the concern is poor performance or misconduct before choosing how to respond.
- Act early and consistently: Tackle concerns quickly with a fair process to avoid escalation and minimise legal risk.
- Set clear expectations: Explain what improvement or behaviour change is required and how progress will be assessed.
- Give a genuine opportunity to improve: Provide support, time and feedback before considering disciplinary action.
- Keep thorough records: Document concerns, meetings and outcomes to show your process was fair and reasonable.
Free Webinar: When Good Employees Go Bad: Managing Performance and Misconduct
To help you understand how best to manage poor performance or misconduct, LegalVision is hosting a free webinar, When Good Employees Go Bad: Managing Performance and Misconduct.
Join LegalVision on Tuesday, 24 March at 11 am NZDT when Louise Miao (Associate) will discuss:
- the difference between performance issues and misconduct; and
- how to fairly and reasonably manage these employee challenges to reduce your business’ risks.
Following the webinar, there will be a live Q&A. If you cannot make it, you can still register and LegalVision will send you a copy of the recording. Attendees are also eligible to receive a free legal consultation.
Register for free today.
About LegalVision
LegalVision is a commercial law firm that provides unlimited legal support for employment and workplace health and safety matters through a fixed-fee membership. We help businesses manage all aspects of employment law and workplace safety, including employment contracts, workplace policies, unfair dismissal, workplace investigations, safety compliance and employment disputes with fast, practical advice, using custom-built tech to deliver predictable pricing and on-demand access to specialist lawyers across New Zealand, the UK and Australia. Visit legalvision.co.nz or call 0800 005 570 to get in touch with our team.
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