4 Recent Trends in Workplace Misconduct (How to Address Them Effectively)

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The advent of social media and online work communication channels has changed the way we interact with our coworkers. With these new methods of communication have come new forms of inappropriate behaviour, which, if not properly addressed, can diminish your organization’s morale, culture, and productivity.

Staying on top of new trends in workplace misconduct will allow you to put the proper parameters in place to deal with them. Below, we’ll review some emerging behaviours in the modern workplace and how your organization can address them effectively. Keep reading!

Recent Trends in Workplace Misconduct

Social media and current internet culture have changed the way many individuals interact both on and offline. Such changes in social interaction have lowered the bar for many in how they behave in a professional setting. As a result, certain trends of workplace misconduct are continuing to grow. These include:

Misuse of social media platforms. Over the last few years, the strong presence of social media in our everyday lives has blurred the lines between what behaviour is and isn’t appropriate online. Employees may use company accounts to make offensive comments or share confidential information, which can place your organization in a negative light. Even their activity on personal social media accounts can become an issue. Employees referencing their employer or coworkers negatively online can violate the company’s values or policies.

More nuanced forms of sexual harassment. Blatant sexual harassment has always been a serious issue, but several forms of more subtle sexual harassment are easy for employers to miss and employees to prove. This can include coworkers making sexual jokes and unwanted digital communication with suggestive messages. This can be a particular problem for remote and hybrid work environments, where boundaries are more easily crossed.

Inappropriate use of work communication tools. Digital communication tools like Slack, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams are used more often in modern workplaces. While these tools are useful, they create another space for potential inappropriate behaviour. Sending crass messages or content to coworkers or using these channels for non-work-related purposes can disrupt productivity and undermine the organization’s professional image.

Overstepping boundaries. Workplace cultures are becoming more relaxed and casual as more organizations say goodbye to three-piece suit dress codes and address superiors by their last name. As workplaces become more casual, the boundaries between personal and professional lives can become blurred. This can result in certain employees overstepping boundaries by being overly familiar with their managers, misusing flexible work policies, or making too many demands of their employer.

How to Effectively Address Workplace Misconduct

Organizations can proactively address workplace misconduct by following a few key practices. These include:

Reviewing and updating company policies. To properly address new forms of misconduct, regularly review and update your company policies. Altering sections such as your Code of Conduct to account for modern workplace issues, such as using social media and digital communication tools, will provide clearer outlines for the behaviour you expect from your employees. Make your staff aware of these policies during training and send regular reminders to review them.

Encouraging open communication. Create a work environment where your employees feel comfortable speaking up if workplace misconduct occurs. This will allow you to address such issues before they become bigger problems.

Conducting thorough workplace investigations. One of the best ways you can address misconduct in the workplace is by conducting thorough investigations when this behaviour is reported. Working with a workplace investigation consultant can help you handle these situations effectively.

At Pivot HR, our expert workplace investigation consultants can assist you with investigating inappropriate behaviour and return your organization to a productive and respectful environment.

Address Misconduct with a Workplace Investigation Consultant from Pivot HR

Do you need assistance handling workplace misconduct? Contact Pivot HR today and speak with one of our workplace investigation consultants.

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