We recently assisted a client who was confused by their boss’s approach: “Why did I receive a verbal warning followed by an email asking me to acknowledge it?” This question resonates with many employees. Shouldn’t a verbal warning be just that—spoken and not documented? The written notice can feel almost like the company is focusing on your mistakes.
Here’s the reality: yes, your employer is documenting your slip-up. However, this documentation is just the initial step in the progressive discipline process (likely outlined in your employee handbook). A verbal warning typically lacks extensive legal jargon or detailed next steps, which is why it’s often communicated verbally. Still, since it’s the first step, your company feels the need to keep a record in case further issues arise.
It’s important to understand that this doesn’t mean your job is in jeopardy. In my HR experience, I’ve seen that companies often issue these warnings with the hope of preventing future problems. It’s their way of drawing a line and signaling that they want you to improve without further incidents.
Now that you’ve been given this verbal warning, your best course of action is to seek support to avoid future mistakes. Do not use the situation to start a spiral into negative thoughts or create conspiracy theories in your mind that your company is “trying to get rid of you.” Instead, find ways to keep your focus on growth and improvement instead.