What is Suspension?

Meaning & Definition

Suspension

Suspension, in the context of employment, refers to a temporary period during which an employee is placed on leave from work by their employer. It involves the employee’s removal from the workplace and a temporary cessation of their job duties, with or without pay, typically for investigative or disciplinary reasons. Suspension can be initiated for various purposes, including addressing employee misconduct, conducting investigations, or providing a cooling-off period in situations of conflict or controversy.

There are generally two types of suspension:

• Paid Suspension

In some cases, an employee may be suspended with full pay during the suspension period. Paid suspension is often used when an investigation is being conducted, or there is a need to temporarily remove the employee from the workplace, but the employer wants to ensure that the employee’s financial stability is not compromised.

• Unpaid Suspension

An unpaid suspension means the employee is removed from work without pay for the duration of the suspension. Unpaid suspensions are often utilized as a disciplinary measure for employee misconduct or other serious violations of workplace policies or rules.

Common reasons for employee suspension include:

• Misconduct

When an employee’s behavior or actions violate company policies or codes of conduct, employers may suspend the employee while investigating or taking disciplinary actions.

• Conflict Resolution

In situations where there is a conflict or dispute between employees, suspensions may be used to provide a cooling-off period, separating individuals to prevent further conflict and promote resolution.

• Investigations

Employers may suspend employees during the course of an internal investigation. This is especially common in cases of alleged workplace misconduct, harassment, or fraud.

• Legal or Compliance Issues

If an employee is involved in legal proceedings or encounters issues related to regulatory compliance, the suspension may be used to address the matter without disruption to the workplace.

• Health and Safety

In situations where an employee’s presence poses a safety risk to themselves or others, suspension may be necessary to ensure safety while addressing the underlying issue.

Suspension is generally intended to be temporary, with a specific timeframe, after which the employee typically returns to work or faces further action, such as disciplinary measures. It is essential for employers to follow established policies and procedures, provide clear communication to the employee regarding the reasons for the suspension, and respect employment laws and contractual agreements when imposing suspensions. Employees who are suspended have the right to understand the reasons for their suspension and to be treated fairly throughout the process.