Overview
Think "just write it down" is enough? Think again.
Every HR professional and manager has heard it: "You’d better document that." But what does that actually mean? How much detail do you need? What kinds of behavior should you document - and when?
Too often, managers document too little, too late, or in ways that create more problems than they solve. That lack of clarity leaves your company vulnerable to lawsuits, slows down decisions, and creates frustration for everyone involved.
If you've ever:
- Been told to "document everything" but didn't know where to start
- Felt unsure what should or shouldn't go into an employee's file
- Struggled to get managers to write down important incidents
- Wished you knew how to properly use PIPs as both a management and legal tool
- Wondered whether emails, texts, or other electronic records count as documentation
- Been caught without clear notes when you needed them most
- you’re not alone - and you can’t afford to ignore this skill.
Here's the reality: Proper documentation is your first line of defense against costly employee claims. It also keeps your team aligned, clarifies expectations, and protects your credibility as a leader. But it only works if you know what you’re doing.
Areas Covered in the Session
This webinar gives you the tools and confidence to document employee behavior the right way - in a way that holds up in court and builds trust in your process. You will learn how to:
- Define what documentation really means and why it matters
- Identify what to document - and when to start
- Document negative, risky, and positive employee behavior effectively
- Teach managers how to document consistently and correctly
- Understand how employee-specific records differ from general HR documentation
- Use PIPs as a powerful tool to manage risk and set clear expectations
- Leverage electronic communication as part of your documentation strategy
- Understand how long to keep records and when to purge them
Don't wait for a lawsuit or grievance to teach you the hard way.
Document clearly. Protect your company. Lead with confidence.
Reserve your spot now and learn how to make documentation work for you, not against you.
Who Will Benefit
This webinar is essential for anyone responsible for managing employees or maintaining HR records:
- HR Managers and Business Partners - If you're responsible for coaching Managers and keeping personnel files compliant
- HR Assistants and Recruiters - If you handle sensitive records and need to know what belongs in the file
- Managers and Supervisors - If you're on the front lines of Employee conversations and discipline
- Business Owners and Executives - If you need to understand what your Managers should be doing
- HR Consultants - If you’re advising clients on best practices
If you’re responsible for employee records, risk management, and workplace fairness, this webinar is for you.
Speaker Profile
Suzanne Lucas spent 10 years in corporate HR where she hired, fired, managed the numbers, and double-checked with the lawyers. She left the corporate world to advise people and companies on how to have the best Human Resources departments possible.
Suzanne integrates best practices with innovative ideas and humor, including using improv comedy as a tool for leadership development.
Suzanne’s writings have been published at CBS News, Inc. Magazine, Reader’s Digest, and many other sites. She’s been named a top influencer in HR. You can read her archives at EvilHRLady.org or check out her Tedx Talk: Forget Talent and Get to Work.