Why This Guide Exists
This guide exists because too many employees are blindsided by workplace discipline without understanding what's actually happening or how to respond professionally.
The Problem
Most employees don't realize they're under scrutiny until it's too late. They walk into meetings unprepared, respond emotionally instead of strategically, and fail to document what matters—because no one ever taught them how.
Meanwhile, the documentation process continues on the employer's side. Emails are saved. Incidents are logged. Patterns are noted. And by the time the employee realizes what's happening, they're already behind.
The difference between employees who navigate this well and those who don't isn't luck. It's preparation.
Who Created This Guide
I'm an HR professional with experience handling employee relations cases across public and private-sector workplaces. My role has included reviewing documentation, participating in investigations, and advising leaders on disciplinary decisions.
This guide isn't about fighting your employer or gaming the system. It's about helping you stay calm, professional, and informed when something at work starts to shift — so you don't unintentionally make things worse.
Most workplace resources are written for HR professionals or attorneys—not for the employees actually living through corrective action. This guide is different. It's written from the perspective of someone who understands how these processes work, with a focus on helping you respond appropriately.
Core Values
Education
You deserve to understand the process you're in. No jargon, no gatekeeping—just clear, practical information.
Documentation
A clean, factual record is your best protection. I'll show you what to track and how to organize it.
Professional Communication
Stay calm, stay documented, and respond like a professional—even when the situation feels personal.
Who This Guide Is For
✓ This guide is for:
- Employees who have received a write-up, warning, or PIP
- Employees who sense increased scrutiny or documentation
- Professionals who want to respond calmly and strategically
✗ This guide is NOT for:
- Anyone looking to retaliate or confront their employer
- Anyone seeking legal advice or guaranteed outcomes
- Anyone trying to bypass company policy
Important Boundaries
This is not legal advice. I am not an attorney, and nothing in this guide creates an attorney-client relationship. Employment law is complex, varies by jurisdiction, and requires individualized legal analysis.
If you believe you're facing illegal discrimination, retaliation, or wrongful termination, consult a licensed employment attorney in your jurisdiction. This guide will help you prepare for that conversation—but it's not a substitute for it.
Understanding HR's role: HR's role is to protect the organization's interests, which doesn't always align with an individual employee's perspective. This guide helps you navigate that reality professionally.
My goal is to help you understand workplace processes, document what matters, and communicate professionally. What you do with that information is up to you.
About the Guide
Before the Boot: How to Protect Yourself When You're on HR's Radar is a practical, employee-side guide designed to help you recognize warning signs early, document appropriately, and communicate professionally when corrective action begins.
This site and guide provide educational information only and do not constitute legal advice.