A fall in an employee's performance can be due to any of a range of reasons, including illness or injury, as well as a lack of application or capability. The golden rule to managing poor performance is to demonstrate reasonable behaviour in providing employees with an opportunity to improve the situation.

Again, it is unfair to expect high standards of performance if the pharmacy has no structured performance system. All employees should be clear about their job descriptions, goals, targets and what you expect from them in their role.

Generally, a decision to dismiss an employee for capability or conduct reasons should not be taken lightly under any circumstances, and then be done only after all other options to encourage improvement have been exhausted and procedures and protocols have been adhered to.