Imagine: you receive a warning from your employer. It can be quite a shock. What should you do? And how do you ensure it doesn't work against you? In this blog, we explain it step by step.
What exactly is an official warning?
There is nothing in the law about official warnings. Companies often have their own rules for this. Sometimes you receive a warning on paper, sometimes via e-e-mail. Companies often also place such a warning in your staff file. And that can have consequences later, for example, if there is a dismissal procedure.
Verbal warning
Do you receive a verbal warning? Then your employer indicates that something needs to be improved according to them. Such a warning seems less severe than a written one, but take it seriously. A verbal warning can also be recorded later and count in your staff file. Do you receive multiple warnings? Then that can have consequences for, for example, your evaluation or even your job.
What can you do?
- Ask what exactly needs to be improved and within what timeframe
- Document in an e-e-mail how you understood the conversation
- Do you disagree? Put your side of the story on paper
Always respond in writing
Do you receive an official warning? Then it is important to always respond in writing. Preferably do this via e-e-mail, so you have proof of your response.
In your response, include:
- That you disagree with the warning.
- Why you disagree (provide arguments!).
- A request to your employer to withdraw the warning.
- A request to add your response to your staff file.
Why is this important? This way, you prevent only negative information about you from being in the file. And should your employer later decide to start a dismissal procedure, you have at least documented your side of the story.
Sometimes an employer may ask if you want to sign the warning. Note: you are not obliged to do so, especially if you disagree with it. By signing, it may appear as though you agree. Therefore, do not sign anything if you are unsure or disagree with something.
A conversation with your employer can help
Have you responded and does it still not feel right? Then you can suggest having a conversation. It's not necessary, but it can help to maintain a good atmosphere and resolve misunderstandings.
Do you still have questions? Please contact us, we are happy to think along with you!