What are aggravating factors defined as in employee disciplinary procedures?

Aggravating factors in employee disciplinary procedures are defined as any fact or circumstance that increases the severity or culpability of an act. These factors can enhance the seriousness of the misconduct and can lead to harsher disciplinary measures. For instance, if an employee had prior infractions, committed the infraction in a particularly egregious manner, or engaged in behavior that violates trust or safety within the workplace, these elements would serve to aggravate the situation. Understanding what constitutes an aggravating factor is essential in determining appropriate disciplinary actions, as it allows supervisors to assess the full context of the behavior in question.