Any permanent employee subject to this part may be suspended by his or her department head for any personal misconduct, or fact, affecting or concerning his or her fitness or ability to perform his or her duties in the public interest. In the event an employee is suspended without pay for more than five days, he or she shall be entitled to a public hearing by the board upon written demand filed within five days from the date of the order of suspension. If, after a hearing, the board determines that the action was undertaken without sufficient cause, the suspension shall be revoked or modified as the board deems appropriate.