Before any HR document goes out
- Facts first. Write only what you can show with a date, a record or a person who saw it. Leave a placeholder for anything you are unsure of.
- One document, one purpose. Keep a warning, a review and a letter about pay separate, so each is easy to read later.
- Use your own policy. Reference the policy or expectation that actually applies in your workplace, and use the same wording each time.
- Plain words. Describe what happened and what is expected next, without labels or guesses about motive.
- Consistency. Treat similar situations in a similar way, and keep copies where your process says they belong.
- A second pair of eyes. For anything disciplinary or that ends employment, have HR, your legal advisor or another qualified person review it, and check local rules.
Notice. This is a drafting aid, not legal advice. Review it before use, and check local rules with a qualified advisor where needed.