What is Progressive discipline?

Progressive discipline is a system of discipline where the penalties increase upon repeat occurrences.

This term is often used in an employment or human resources context where rather than terminating employees for first or minor infractions, there is a system of escalating responses intended to correct the negative behavior rather than to punish the employee.

In an employment context, the concept of just cause is usually at the root of progressive discipline practices. Just cause is a principle in collective bargaining contracts that forces employers to prove their grievances against employees.