Description
This course on Udemy is a specialized, practical training module focused on managing workplace conflict, employee misconduct, and formal corrective action processes. Falling under the Employee and Labor Relations domain of the HRCI Body of Knowledge, addressing behavioral issues effectively is vital for protecting workplace culture and minimizing legal risk. This course guides learners through structured approaches to handling workplace infractions, conducting objective internal investigations, applying progressive discipline strategies, and navigating employment terminations safely. By bridging legal compliance standards with constructive employee coaching techniques, the curriculum equips HR professionals with the skills necessary to resolve performance and conduct problems fairly, legally, and empathetically while preparing for their PHR or SPHR certification exams.
Topics This Course Covers
- Progressive Discipline Frameworks: Designing and executing structured disciplinary policies, verbal warnings, written reprimands, suspensions, and final warnings.
- Workplace Investigations Procedure: Planning objective investigations, interviewing witnesses, gathering evidence, documenting findings, and maintaining confidentiality.
- Employee Conduct & Performance Management: Distinguishing between performance deficiencies ("can't do") and behavioral misconduct ("won't do") to select appropriate interventions.
- Conflict Resolution & Mediation: Applying interest-based negotiation, de-escalation techniques, and structured mediation to resolve interpersonal workplace disputes.
- Lawful Employment Termination: Navigating at-will employment principles, avoiding wrongful discharge claims, managing termination meetings, and handling severance agreements.
- Documentation Best Practices: Writing legally defensible disciplinary notices, performance improvement plans (PIPs), and investigation reports that withstand legal scrutiny.
Who Will Benefit Taking This Course
- HR Professionals Preparing for the PHR or SPHR Exams seeking to master the employee discipline, investigation, and dispute resolution topics within the HRCI curriculum.
- HR Generalists & Employee Relations Specialists responsible for managing workplace conflicts, conducting internal investigations, and executing disciplinary policies.
- People Managers, Team Leads & Supervisors looking for a legally compliant, structured method to address employee performance and behavioral issues constructively.
- Business Owners & Operations Managers seeking to mitigate employment litigation risks associated with wrongful termination, harassment, or improper discipline.
Why Take This Course
Handling employee disciplinary issues and behavioral misconduct is one of the most delicate and high-risk responsibilities an HR professional faces. Poorly handled investigations or improper terminations can lead to damaged team morale, charges of discrimination, costly employment lawsuits, and regulatory penalties. Taking this course provides a clear, step-by-step blueprint for resolving workplace issues with consistency, fairness, and legal precision. By learning how to conduct thorough internal investigations, document performance issues defensibly, and execute progressive discipline effectively, you build the operational confidence needed to maintain a safe, productive work environment while securing top marks on the Employee Relations section of your HRCI certification exam.









