HR topics · How to write up an employee by state

How to write up an employee in Texas

No Texas law prescribes the form of a write-up. The Texas Workforce Commission has practical guidance on how discipline conversations can turn into separations.

What should a write-up include?

Common practice is the date of each incident, what happened in factual terms (what was seen or measured, not opinions), the policy or expectation involved, what needs to change and by when, what may happen if it continues, a place for the employee's comments, and an acknowledgment line. Our free Write-Up Builder follows four levels: conversational coaching, a verbal (documented) warning, a performance improvement plan and a final written warning.

Should a write-up mention anything positive?

Many managers include a few genuine strengths. It shows the review is balanced and helps the employee see what to keep doing. Our builder asks for three.

What if the employee offers to quit during a write-up meeting?

The Texas Workforce Commission warns that if a counseling session or reprimand leads the employee to offer to quit and the employer immediately "accepts the resignation", it might be treated as a discharge. It suggests reminding the employee the goal was to discuss a problem and asking whether resigning is really what they want.

What if the write-up leads to a firing?

Final pay is due within six calendar days. See the final paycheck page.

General information, AI-prepared and checked against the official sources listed, not legal advice. Laws change, and cities, contracts and union agreements can add rules. Last reviewed October 2026. How answers are made