When is it appropriate to use a memorandum or oral reprimand?

Using a memorandum or oral reprimand is most appropriate when an employee cannot address a minor infraction through training. This approach serves as a way to communicate the issue without escalating it to a more formal disciplinary process. Since minor infractions may not warrant severe disciplinary action, a memorandum or oral reprimand allows management to address the behavior directly and provide an opportunity for the employee to correct their actions.

This method emphasizes communication and improvement, as it engages the employee in a constructive conversation about expectations and performance standards. It is an effective tool for reinforcing workplace policies and helping employees understand the consequences of their actions.

In contrast, serious offenses typically require more formal disciplinary action, while consistent performance that meets expectations does not warrant reprimanding as there are no issues to address. Preliminary investigations would also necessitate a more formal documentation process rather than a simple reprimand, reflecting the nature of the issue being investigated.