Most employment disputes are not lost due to malicious intent. They are lost due to poor documentation. Inconsistent records weaken otherwise defensible decisions.
Where Documentation Commonly Breaks Down
Performance Reviews
Generic or overly positive reviews undermine later discipline or termination decisions. Written evaluations should align with reality.
Disciplinary Actions
Verbal warnings that never make it to paper may as well not exist. Consistency and timing matter.
Accommodation Requests
Medical and disability accommodations require careful documentation of the interactive process. Missing notes invite legal scrutiny.
Employee Complaints and Investigations
Incomplete records or delayed responses raise red flags with regulators and courts, even when the outcome was appropriate.
Conclusion
Good documentation tells a clear story. When records are organized, timely, and consistent, employers are better positioned to resolve disputes quickly and confidently.
