Common Workplace Issues That Can Result in Reprimand

In the professional workplace, it's important to maintain a certain level of discipline and adherence to company policies. Not all infractions lead to reprimands, but certain actions or behaviors can certainly invite criticism from supervisors or colleagues. This article explores some common issues that might warrant a scolding or reprimand in different work environments, particularly in IT and administration.

The Case of Amanda and the Secret Movie

Imagine working in a busy clinic where the phone lines are constantly busy from 8 am to 6 pm, and nurses wear phone headsets to keep their hands free for typing. One day, as you walk past a nurse's desk, you notice something peculiar: she has earbuds in and her work headset set aside. Curious, you glance at her phone screen, only to find that she is watching a movie! In a professional setting, such behavior would naturally lead to a scolding.

"Amanda you cannot watch a movie at work." You might retort, hoping to keep calm. But she defends herself by saying, "I’m not watching a movie. I’m watching a SHOW."

This is not a minor distinction. Employee behavior, even when it appears innocuous, can have significant implications for workplace dynamics and efficiency.

Workplace Reprimands: A Matter of Professionalism

It is important to note that reprimands in a professional workplace are not about making employees feel bad or like children. Instead, they serve as a transparent and structured way to address behaviors that deviate from professional standards. Reprimands should always be conducted in a professional and respectful manner, ideally in a private meeting where both parties can discuss the issue in detail.

The frequency and consistency of these discussions can vary widely. From dress code violations to actions that are simply inappropriate for a work environment, there's a broad range of behaviors that might warrant a discussion. This can include minor infractions like absentmindedly typing emails on your work computer during a meeting, to more serious breaches such as ignoring company policies on data security.

IT Change Control: Small Changes Can Have Major Consequences

In the realm of IT, change control is a crucial process that involves three major steps: requesting, approving, and implementing changes. Any deviation from this process can lead to reprimands, and in some cases, termination. The importance of transparency and adherence to procedures in IT cannot be overstated, especially in production environments where even small changes can have significant and sometimes catastrophic consequences.

Consider the example of a colleague who bypassed the change control process to make a seemingly small update. While the change didn't cause immediate issues, it raised red flags for management:

Defense Mechanism: The individual argued that if something went wrong, no one would have known, and it was a small change that should not require formal approval. Management’s Perspective: Management viewed this behavior as a potential indicator of future risky behavior, as the individual had abnormally tried to cover up their actions and knew it would go unnoticed.

In this environment, no change is too small to bypass standard procedures. IT operations must always follow change control protocols to ensure system integrity and prevent downtime or data breaches.

Conclusion

While occasional lapses are understandable, a pattern of behavior that disregards company policies or professional standards can result in significant disciplinary actions, from verbal warnings to termination. It's crucial for employees to understand the impact of their actions on the workplace and strive to maintain appropriate work behavior always, especially in environments where trust and transparency are paramount.