Discipline is one of the most essential traits required from any proficient workplace. For an individual or organisation to be effective, maintaining discipline is crucial for it ensures adeptness and professionalism. As ordinary as the matter might come off, upholding discipline in an organisation is no easy feat. It calls for prudent measures that will command respect, but at the same time eliminate the idea of supremacy and punishment. In order to maintain discipline in the workplace, Brigitte Uwamwezi a corporate manager, says an employer needs to have a plan in place that will be efficient and appropriate for everyone involved. What is more important, is for employers to not focus on promoting superiority but making the work environment safe and enjoyable for both employees and administration. “Any employer who wants to effectively enforce discipline in his or her organisation should first understand that, policies that will favour this will only work best when they first set grounds for trust between them as leaders and their subordinates,” she says. Uwamwezi recommends making use of clear communication and seeking feedback as a way of ensuring that discipline is well administered as desired. “I also believe that any organisation that wants to groom disciplined employees should avoid scolding its workers publicly. Workplace discipline, if not properly administered, may instead make employees defiant,” she says. Vestine Uwamahoro, a procurement officer, is of the view that there should be internal rules and regulations that everyone should follow in the organisation. These, she says, will help everyone make a self-analysis in regards to the compliance of these rules and regulations. “Employees must be treated equally with the same rights not considering their positions in the institution. This helps ameliorate the working mood at the working place,” she says. Uwamahoro also adds that the disciplinary committee can help in solving discipline cases and take appropriate measures. “When someone knows there is a disciplinary committee to judge him/her, then employees’ discipline is easily managed,” she says. Venant Nkusi, a marketing officer, shares his view saying that with rampant issues such as sexual harassment infesting the workplace, its only safe for companies to ensure discipline as a way of preventing possible lawsuits. He says, discipline at the workplace is very crucial for upholding a company’s reputation. Let companies put in place policies that are against discrimination or harassment, this will save your company from possible lawsuits in case an employee decides to take legal action. “For these policies to be effective, managers need to be strict such that whoever violates the law is penalised accordingly. This will send a clear signal on how firm your stance on discipline is. For example, not even managers should be able to get away with violating these principles because then it will seem unfair,” he says. Nkusi is also of the view that for the rules to be considered serious, human resource should always hand out a guidebook detailing the code of conduct required. This should be done for all employees including new comers.
