If you’re running a small business (whether you have a team of 2 or 20) your focus is probably on getting clients, keeping customers happy, and making sure the work gets done.

The last thing on your mind is workplace discipline.
After all… “We’re like family here” or “I trust my staff, we don’t need something formal”.

But here’s the truth I’ve seen over and over again in my 12+ years as a legal professional:
➡ All it takes is one misunderstanding, one conflict, or one serious misconduct issue to throw your entire business into chaos.

And without a clear, signed disciplinary code and procedure, you could find yourself:

• Losing at the CCMA because the process wasn’t followed

• Paying thousands in unexpected settlements

• Wasting days or weeks on conflict resolution instead of running your business

• Feeling emotionally drained and blindsided

Why Clarity Protects You AND Your Staff

A disciplinary code is not about running your workplace like a military camp.
It’s about setting clear expectations so that everyone knows:

• What is acceptable behaviour

• What happens if rules are broken

• How the process will be handled fairly and consistently

This protects you as the employer, but it also protects your employees, because no one should feel like the rules are “made up as you go along”.

A Common Mistake That Costs Small Businesses

Many small business owners put off drafting a disciplinary code because:

• “We’ve never had an issue”

• “It’s just me and a few staff”

• “It feels too formal”

But here’s the reality, you don’t need a problem until you suddenly have one. And by then, without a written code, you’re already on the back foot. I’ve seen small businesses lose cases they could have easily avoided, simply because there was no signed disciplinary code in place.

Why I’m Passionate About This

I’ve worked with business owners who have poured their heart, time, and personal savings into building something from the ground up.
The last thing they need is unnecessary drama in the workplace.

My role is to help you prevent problems before they start by:

• Drafting professional, legally sound disciplinary codes and sexual harassment policies

• Workshopping them with your team so everyone understands

• Providing ongoing support if you need to apply them

The Bottom Line

A disciplinary code is not a “nice-to-have” : it’s an essential safeguard for your business.
It keeps your workplace fair, consistent, and legally compliant.

💻 My services are 100% online, so I can help you no matter where you are in South Africa.

Contact Legal Assist Solutions today to put your policies in place and protect your business before a problem arises.

📩 admin@legalassistsolutions.co.za
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