One thing that strikes me as missing is the suggestion of people having trouble in general with their lives, whether mental health, personal relationship problems, or financial struggles. This is especially the case when going over the “unreliable” worker.
> they lack commitment, discipline, or time management skills
They could also need time or space or latitude to resolve something that’s going on. When you have someone who is a high performer one year and a poor one the next, often something is going on that isn’t any of the offered reasons. Offering leave, a lessened workload, or something a little more human centric is a way to invest that person in working with you - browbeating and adding pressure doesn’t always work.
> they lack commitment, discipline, or time management skills
They could also need time or space or latitude to resolve something that’s going on. When you have someone who is a high performer one year and a poor one the next, often something is going on that isn’t any of the offered reasons. Offering leave, a lessened workload, or something a little more human centric is a way to invest that person in working with you - browbeating and adding pressure doesn’t always work.