Over eight years ago I had same experience as Terry of IL. *IF* there are attempts at paper trail stuff. But! be prepared to get fired or resign. They are doing the paper trail thing for a end result and that is to get rid of the offending employee.
I didn't sign, got fired, unemplyoment contested by company. Please note: I had other documentation of harrassment (yes, really) type paper trail attemps. The first thing the Unemployment arbitrator said regarding the write up: "you signed it." I noted "no I did not" She looked and noted with some surprise, oh no you didn't. Not signing was an important element towards getting unemployment benefits. Note: important--*not* the only element.
If something needs to be "fixed" sign..even if you're not completely in agreement. Go ahead, politely provide your perspective with a written addendum. If no signature that would be considered unwilling to work at improvement and, thus, a poor performer, thus not good for company and needs to go.
I think it is good to remember whatever you do, *you* have to live with it. Work it out, resign, get fired, keep your pride, whatever...
No one is perfect. Boss makes mistakes, yet bosses rarely suffer the consequences in this kind of situation. You make mistakes, too. Forgive yourself and figure out a way to work at fixing what is wrong--*if it is fixable*. Hopefully, you and the boss will go forward with good intentions. But, maybe not if a write up is required.
Unfortuneate that HR people, including Ms Lucas and HR Lady of XX (by the way how'd she get to put XX?) automatically approach subject as if employee is wrong and needs to fix it. Would be nice if HR could respond with a broader perspective, sometimes the boss does have an unfair and unhealthy agenda. The company may need objective and skilled intervention from HR to save both company resources: a talented supervisor/manager and a qualified employee.
Not in this economy.
Qualified employees are a dime a dozen, I think.
Aniof KS10:50PM April 25, 2009
Our typical signature line is "I acknowledge that I have read and understand this correspondance". Nothing in the statement indicates agreement, and in fact, I always encourage people to write a response to include with the document if they feel strongly in disagreement or if they have something further to add.
I can't recall a situation where I have ever had anyone refuse to sign (although lots have taken the opportunity to write more!), but I think that if someone refused to sign, I would probably tell them that I would make a note on the letter that they refused to sign and give them a copy that was going on file. I can't imagine why someone would allow a note that they were in disagreement with to go on file without their own comments, so perhaps that would spur them to write their own response.
http://www.opendoorhr.blogspot.com/
Just Another HR Lady1:08PM April 23, 2009
damn this thing needs spell check but flame if you must.
terryof IL12:53PM April 23, 2009
Dont sign it if you feel your employer is making a paper trail or if it contains false statements. Putting your signature on a piece of paper is much more than an acknowledgement of recieving a piece of paper. I agree that it still can be used against you but it contains much less weight if its unsigned. Especially if you feel they are planning to fire you anyway it can be the difference between recieving unemployment benefits and getting nothing. Also putting your signature on a piece of paper that contains false statements makes them much harder to refute. I had a manager that did this to me I refused and was fired which I knew it could happen when I refused. They challenged my unemployment benefits but I still recieved them more than likely because i refused to sign their paperwork. This allowed me cover expenses and I found a better job just over a month later. What this should say is sign the papers if its fair but dont be a thoughtless cretin about it and be prepared for the consequences.
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Ani of KS 10:50PM April 25, 2009
Just Another HR Lady 1:08PM April 23, 2009
terry of IL 12:53PM April 23, 2009
Terry of IL 12:51PM April 23, 2009