Employee Discipline: Georgia

Federal law and guidance on this subject should be reviewed together with this section.

Author: C. R. Wright, Fisher Phillips

Summary

• For purposes of wiretapping laws, Georgia is a one party consent state with respect to recording meetings, including those of a disciplinary nature. See Recording Meetings.
• Georgia employers should exercise caution when disciplining employees for possession of firearms or weapons on business premises. See Discipline Regarding Guns in the Workplace.
• Georgia law provides for smoke-free workplaces. See Smoke-Free Workplace Law.
• Georgia has laws regulating employee testing for drugs and alcohol, and for AIDS or HIV. See AIDS Testing; see Drug and Alcohol Testing.
• Georgia employers should exercise caution when disciplining certain employees for absences from work, especially when those absences may be the result of protected leaves or breaks. See Attendance.
• Georgia law allows an action for employee breach of loyalty or fiduciary duty. See Workplace Theft; Breach of Duty of Loyalty and Breach of Fiduciary Duty.
• Georgia law allows an action for misappropriation of trade secrets or computer data. See Workplace Theft; Misappropriation of Trade Secrets and Computer Data.
• Employers should exercise caution when disciplining employees who are members of protected classes. See Prohibited Discrimination and Retaliation.
• Employers may be liable for a number of claims brought by employees with respect to disciplinary action. See Employer Liability Regarding Employee Discipline.
• Localities including Atlanta and Savannah have requirements pertaining to employee discipline. See Local Requirements.