Why Is Documentation Important?

One topic that comes hand in hand with performance management is documentation or, more specifically, HR’s need for documentation in a variety of scenarios. In the classic case, if you need to begin proceedings to terminate an employee, you will be asked for documentation to support that decision. It’s important to realize that this is not HR’s attempt to second-guess or circumvent your decision. This is a legal requirement: The company needs to have admissible evidence on hand in the event that the terminated employee alleges discrimination, wrongful termination, or breach of contract.

For that reason, HR will often have “official” places where documentation must live. If you do not keep documentation there, no action will be possible until you do. In many cases, HR will work with you to assemble that documentation, but much of the ...