What types of conduct tend to result in immediate termination of employment or summary dismissal?

• Most workplaces adopt guidelines to assess the seriousness of an employee’s misconduct before determining the necessity of summary dismissal.
• Generally the following actions may lead to immediate termination of employment:
  • large scale fraud;
  • theft;
  • intentionally leaking sensitive information;
  • consistent failure to maintain or reach a reasonable standard of competency at the workplace; or
  • sexual harassment.
• Making minor mistakes is normal in everyday life. Most workplaces adopt policies that help the offending employee improve their conduct.
• Minor mistakes may lead to:
  • an initial warning being issued;
  • counselling or coaching; or
  • the imposition of disciplinary action other than termination of employment.
• Examples of minor mistakes include:
  • poor customer service;
  • threatening or abusive behaviour; or
  • occasional tardiness (lateness) to work.