Workplace Discipline Made Simple
Every business has one person who really tests your patience — the one who pushes rules, tries your limits, and makes meetings feel extra long. 😅
But here’s the truth: discipline at work isn’t about being mean or showing power. Instead, it’s about following the right steps. In South Africa, those steps really matter, because if you skip them, the CCMA might decide against you — even if your employee was wrong!
Why Discipline (IR) Matters So Much
Under the Labour Relations Act (LRA) 66 of 1995, every boss, whether they run a big company or a tiny shop, must make sure discipline is both fair and properly done.
Therefore, that means two very important things:
- You need a real reason for the action — like bad behavior, poor work, or health issues.
- You must follow the right process — give notice, hold a hearing, allow representation, and write down the outcome.
If you miss even one step, the CCMA can order you to pay up to 12 months’ salary or even take the worker back.
So, if your “verbal warning” was actually a WhatsApp message full of frustration, you could be in real trouble.
Common IR Mistakes Small Businesses Make
Sadly, many small businesses get caught out because of simple mistakes. For example:
- No written rules: When rules aren’t written down, everyone remembers them differently.
- Quick, messy hearings: Trying to “just sort it out fast” often means losing later at the CCMA.
- Untrained managers: If a manager doesn’t know what a charge sheet is, they shouldn’t run a hearing.
- No records kept: If you didn’t write it down, it’s like it never happened.
And remember — the CCMA doesn’t care how small your business is. The law treats everyone the same.
How to Stay Fair (and Calm)
Luckily, staying out of CCMA trouble is not hard. You just need to be consistent and handle problems early.
Here’s how:
✅ Have a disciplinary and grievance policy ready and shared with all staff.
Keep clear notes of every warning, meeting, and decision.
✅ Train your managers to handle issues step by step — not to fire someone right away.
Ask for professional help before things go wrong.
TeamMaster HR Is Here to Help
We understand that most small businesses can’t afford a big HR team — and that’s okay! You can still have strong support without spending too much.
Here are our simple plans:
- IR Lite Pack (R7,500/year): 3 cases + help writing your policies.
- Compliance IR Pack (R12,500/year): 6 cases + 1 training workshop.
- IR Protection Plan (R18,500/year): 10 cases, unlimited advice, CCMA help, and 2 workshops.
- Platinum IR Retainer (R32,000/year): Unlimited support, full hearing management, and CCMA representation.
So, instead of stressing over a tricky employee, let us handle it the right way.
Let’s keep your business calm, fair, and drama-free.
TeamMaster HR
People. Compliance. Growth.
