The City of Waukesha's Human Resources Committee made significant strides in refining employee evaluation and disciplinary policies during their recent meeting on September 17, 2025. A key focus was the proposal to adjust the performance evaluation timeline for new hires, suggesting a six-month review period instead of the traditional year-long wait. This change aims to provide a more accurate assessment of new employees' performance, allowing for timely feedback and support.

Committee members discussed the implications of this shift, noting that evaluations currently occur in August, which could leave new hires without a performance review for over a year if they start in July. The consensus leaned towards implementing a mid-year evaluation to better gauge employee progress and ensure alignment with expectations.

Additionally, the committee reviewed amendments to the HR policy regarding corrective and disciplinary actions. The updated policy clarifies that supervisors and managers, held to a higher standard, will not start with verbal warnings but may begin with written warnings or more severe actions based on the situation. This change formalizes existing practices and aims to enhance accountability among leadership roles.

The committee also addressed concerns about merit increases for employees with recent disciplinary actions, emphasizing the need for a consistent review process to ensure fairness across the board. The discussion highlighted the importance of communication between HR and supervisors to maintain transparency and consistency in evaluations and disciplinary measures.

The proposed changes to the HR policies were met with unanimous approval, marking a proactive step towards improving employee management and organizational effectiveness in Waukesha. The committee's efforts reflect a commitment to fostering a supportive work environment while upholding high standards of performance and accountability.