From the HR Support Center: Can We Discipline Employees Who Don’t Turn in Their Timesheets?

From the HR Support Center: Can We Discipline Employees Who Don’t Turn in Their Timesheets?

Yes you can, provided that the discipline doesn’t involve withholding, reducing, or delaying pay, as employers are required to pay for actual hours worked regardless of whether employees have fulfilled their timekeeping duties.

In fact, we recommend using a progressive disciplinary process when an employee fails to complete their paperwork on time, as this is considered a failure to perform an important job duty. It’s really the only legal and effective method we have found to address a lack of timekeeping paperwork once timesheet procedures have been thoroughly explained and where the problem persists.

Disciplinary measures may include a verbal warning, written warning, disciplinary suspension, or termination of employment. Oftentimes, however, employees only a need a gentle reminder to get back in the habit of turning in their timesheets.

The HR Support Center is a service offered to Payroll Partners clients, and provides access to exclusive, industry-leading HR tools and resources, for just a few dollars a month. From employee handbooks, job descriptions and other commonly used HR documents, to up-to-the-minute law alerts, easy-to-understand state and federal law libraries, and unique training videos, the HR Support Center will help you effectively manage your HR compliance and employee relations needs.

Legal Disclaimer: Payroll Partners and/or the HR Support Center are not engaged in the practice of law. The content in this email should not be construed as legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship. If you have legal questions concerning your situation or the information you have obtained, you should consult with a licensed attorney. Payroll Partners and/or the HR Support Center cannot be held legally accountable for actions related to this article.