How often should supervisors use this checklist?

Once a quarter works for most teams, or after onboarding and before a probation decision. Use it more often for someone being coached.

Can we use it for disciplinary action?

It is a coaching tool. For discipline, follow your conduct policy and a documented process, and confirm the approach with a qualified adviser.

Can we train supervisors to use it?

Yes. Calibrating supervisors on what each behaviour looks like prevents uneven marking. We scope and quote training in writing after a short conversation.

Professionalism Checklist for Supervisors

Employee details

Employee: [Name], [ID]
Role and team: [Role, team]
Supervisor: [Name]
Period observed: [From] to [To]
Date of review: [Date]

The 20 observable behaviours

Mark each: Y (seen regularly), S (sometimes), N (not seen), or NA (no chance to observe). Add a short example in the last column.

No.	Observable behaviour	Y / S / N / NA	Example seen
1	Arrives at the start time, ready to work, on most working days.
2	Tells the supervisor before the start time if running late or absent.
3	Starts and ends meetings on time.
4	Keeps the workspace tidy and tools in their place.
5	Wears the uniform, ID or dress the role requires.
6	Greets colleagues and customers politely.
7	Speaks without raising their voice or using abusive words, even under pressure.
8	Listens without interrupting, and repeats back what was asked.
9	Replies to messages and calls within the time agreed for the team.
10	Writes emails and messages with a clear subject and polite tone.
11	Meets agreed deadlines, or says early that a deadline will be missed.
12	Owns mistakes and says what they will do to fix them.
13	Follows instructions and safety rules without being reminded.
14	Handles company property and information with care.
15	Keeps customer and employee information private.
16	Asks for help instead of hiding a problem.
17	Gives credit to others and does not blame colleagues in public.
18	Accepts feedback calmly and acts on it.
19	Helps teammates when their own work is done.
20	Records work done honestly, including time and expenses.

Summary

Strengths seen: [ ]
Behaviours to work on: [ ]
Support offered by the supervisor: [ ]
Training or coaching needed: [ ]

Agreed action

Behaviour	What will change	By when	Check on

Signatures

Supervisor: ______________________ Date: ____________

Employee: ______________________ Date: ____________

Note on use

This checklist supports coaching. If it feeds into pay, promotion or discipline, check the process against your policies, contracts and applicable rules with a qualified adviser.

A starting point, not legal advice. Check the final wording against your contracts and the rules of your state, and have a qualified professional review it before you issue it.

Professionalism and work ethics training →Time discipline and punctuality →Probation review checklist →

How to use this template

Brief supervisors on what each item looks like in your workplace before first use.

Observe over several weeks, not one bad day.

Mark only what you saw. Write an example for every N.

Hold a private conversation. Start with strengths, then agree one or two behaviours to improve.

Follow up at the date set and record the change.

Keep the form in the employee file, and apply it the same way to every team member.

Behaviour	Mark	Example
Tells supervisor before running late	S	Informed on two of four late days
Owns mistakes	Y	Reported a wrong entry the same morning
Replies within team standard	N	Three client messages answered after a day

Behaviour

Mark

Example

Tells supervisor before running late

Informed on two of four late days

Owns mistakes

Reported a wrong entry the same morning

Replies within team standard

Three client messages answered after a day

Questions about this template

It is consistent, observable behaviour: being on time, communicating clearly, owning work, respecting others and keeping information safe. It is judged by what people do, not by how they dress or speak.

Let’s make HR work better.

Tell us what is slowing your team down. We’ll help you find a practical way forward, starting with a conversation.

A free first conversation with an HR practitioner

A clear scope and fee before any paid work

A practical next step for your business

Professionalism checklist

Employee details

The 20 observable behaviours

Summary

Agreed action

Signatures

Note on use

How to use this template

A filled example (illustrative)

Common mistakes

Adapt it to your business

Questions about this template

Let’s make HR work better.

Let’s start with your business

Professionalism checklist

Employee details

The 20 observable behaviours

Summary

Agreed action

Signatures

Note on use

How to use this template

A filled example (illustrative)

Common mistakes

Adapt it to your business

Questions about this template

01What is professionalism at work?

02How often should supervisors use this checklist?

03Can we use it for disciplinary action?

04Can we train supervisors to use it?

Let’s make HR work better.

Let’s start with your business