CASE STUDY
Resolving a complex poor conduct case through a managed mutual separation
Learn how Now Actually supported a business in a long-standing employee conduct issue with practical HR guidance and a people-first approach.
INDUSTRY
Marketing Agency
WORKFORCE
Professional Services
Services
Key Outcomes
- Managed mutual separation successfully negotiated
- Reduced legal and workplace risk exposure
- Avoided a prolonged disciplinary process
- Supported leadership through a difficult employee matter
- Reduced operational and emotional strain on the business
The Challenge: Managing a long-standing employee conduct issue
The client was managing an employee with ongoing conduct issues over an extended period.
The situation had reached a point where this created several operational and workplace risks:
- Concerns were impacting team standards and consistency
- Leadership confidence in managing the issue internally was low
- There was increasing risk of escalation if the matter was not handled correctly
- The business was carrying operational and emotional strain
The client needed a clear, compliant pathway forward without creating unnecessary conflict or exposure.
Our Approach: Practical HR support through a difficult employee matter
We assessed the employee’s history, performance concerns, conduct matters, and existing documentation against workplace risk, legal obligations, and practical resolution pathways.
We worked closely with the business owner to understand their desired outcome, operational pressures, risk, and the potential business impact if no action was taken.
- Assessed risk and resolution pathways: Reviewed the matter from both a compliance and employee relations perspective to identify the most appropriate and lowest-risk path forward.
- Recommended a managed mutual separation: Rather than pursuing a prolonged disciplinary process, we recommended a managed mutual separation to support a more controlled and respectful employee exit outcome
- Communication and negotiation support: Supported the client with communication planning, negotiation guidance, leadership coaching, and preparation of appropriate documentation.
- Simplified complex HR issues: Complex HR matters were translated into clear, practical solutions that leadership could implement
The outcome: a compliant and successful employee exit
Through a structured and supported process, the business was able to resolve a complex employee relations matter with greater confidence, reduced risk, and minimal disruption to the wider team.
Mutual separation successfully negotiated
The employee exited the business through a managed mutual separation process that aligned with the desired outcome for both parties.
Reduced legal and workplace risk
By following a structured and compliant approach, the business reduced potential legal exposure and employee relations risk.
Avoided a prolonged disciplinary process
The business avoided the time, disruption, and emotional strain associated with a lengthy formal disciplinary pathway.
Immediate relief for leadership and team dynamics
Resolving the matter created greater stability within the team and reduced ongoing operational and emotional pressure on leadership.
It was very reassuring for us to have someone as knowledgeable and experienced as Now Actually to guide through a recent HR process.
It was reassuring for us to know that everything was being done correctly but also humanely.
Alan Saunders, Director Principal
Impact Australia
Who this is relevant for
This type of HR support is particularly valuable for businesses that:
- are managing complex employee conduct or performance matters,
- need support navigating difficult employee conversations,
- are concerned about workplace risk or legal exposure,
- want practical guidance through employee exits,
- need help managing emotionally charged workplace situations,
- or want a restructured and compliant approach to employee relations matters.
Frequently asked questions about fractional or outsourced HR support
Need help with managing conduct issues?
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