Basic Tools (1c): Document Precedents

Every time you make a decision regarding employees, you have established a precedent, like it or not. This is very important in a legal sense because the precedent is the starting point for all employee related decisions.

Documenting precedents provides a written record of the date of the decision and the reason. This could possibly give you some flexibility in the future, but don't count on it.

In yesterday's example of granting one employee paid vacation in advance, that is the precedent. Then not granting the same thing to another employee runs a huge risk of being discriminatory.

So in addition to documenting, think through your employee related decisions, because they literally determine future actions and practices.

Lance