# Disciplinary action Official source: https://www.employment.govt.nz/resolving-problems/how-to-resolve-problems/disciplinary-process Scanned: 2026-06-07T03:31:31.402Z Use this as a current official guidance reference, not as a substitute for legal advice. ## Page Text Home Resolving problems How to resolve problems Disciplinary action How to resolve problems Disciplinary action Sometimes employee behaviour is unacceptable and disciplinary action is necessary. Disciplinary action can take a number of forms. How to resolve problems Steps to resolve problems Resolving issues yourselves Talking to your employer Early resolution Mediation Personal grievances Disciplinary action Disciplinary process Informal action Investigations Warnings Suspension Records of settlement Labour Inspectorate complaints Escalating unresolved issues Disciplinary process A careful, fair, and thorough process must be followed when an employer is considering disciplinary action. If not, an employee may have grounds to raise a personal grievance. Informal action Employers and employees can take informal action to resolve an issue early, especially if the matter is not serious, is a one-off, or is unlikely to happen again. Investigations Before taking disciplinary action or responding to a complaint, an employer should find out as much as they can. Warnings Where employee misconduct is not serious and does not warrant dismissal, an employer may decide instead to give an employee a warning. Suspension An employer may sometimes have to suspend an employee from the workplace.