Managing employee underperformance is a critical skill for any business owner. Underperformance occurs when a staff member fails to meet the duties required of their role or exhibits disruptive behavior. Often, this includes a disregard for workplace policies or actions that negatively impact the team.
5 Common Reasons for Poor Work Performance
To succeed in managing employee underperformance, you must first understand why it happens. Here are five common drivers:
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Low Motivation and Morale: Long-term employees may lose interest if they lack professional development opportunities. When staff feel underappreciated, their interest in the role often fades.
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Interpersonal Issues: Misunderstandings between management and employees can cause major distractions. Serious cases often involve workplace bullying, harassment, or discrimination.
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Unclear Expectations: Employees struggle when they do not understand their specific goals. Uncertainty regarding role requirements leads to low productivity and a loss of confidence.
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Capability Gaps: A “bad hire” or a sudden promotion can leave an employee in a role beyond their skill level. The pressure to learn quickly often results in poor performance.
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Personal Stress: Family issues or health problems frequently impact an employee’s focus. Difficulty managing a work/life balance can lead to a drop in engagement.
How to Address Performance Issues
You should make every effort to help your staff improve. Address these issues through consistent communication, clear documentation, and regular performance reviews. If these efforts fail, refer to the disciplinary process in your employee handbook.
Fair Work dictates specific steps you must follow when addressing poor performance. Assurance HR specializes in managing employee underperformance and guiding clients through these legal requirements. We meticulously manage every step to decrease the likelihood of a dismissal being overturned by the Fair Work Tribunal.
