What will you do if you decided to punish an employee because of bad performance or bad behavior, but his colleague pulled together to support him?

In a situation where the employee has bad performance and bad behavior, it is only fair that the employee be put on work probation.

Work Probation is defined as "the action or process of testing or putting to the proof." For probationers, it provides an opportunity to demonstrate that they are able to do the job to which they have been appointed.

The employer has the responsibility to provide the means whereby the probationer can demonstrate satisfactorily the skills and competencies which have been discussed at interview.

The probation period is a time of adjustment. New employees need to accustom themselves to the working practices of a new organization and possibly to adjust to new and more demanding work patterns.

Mistakes will probably be made during the probation period; this is to be expected and line managers should allow for this. However, probationers should be instructed clearly and at regular intervals about the importance of correct procedures.

When monitoring the probationer's progress, the following points should be borne in mind:

1. Work output - Is the probationer making steady progress in the amount of work which is being done?

2. Work quality - Is the probationer beginning to produce work which is relatively error-free?

3. Standard of work - are more senior probationers demonstrating that they are capable of performing at the level which is expected of them?

4. Attendance - What is the probationer's record for punctuality, attendance and sickness absence?

It is easier to reprimand the employee than to replace him/her.

As for the colleague, it is clear that they have demonstrated team work.