The tapping of computer keys. The low hum of fluorescent lights. The murmurs of colleagues in the background. For many of us, these are the daily sounds of our workplace. Yet, beneath the seemingly calm surface, there’s a growing undercurrent of unease. Workplace misconduct is at an all-time high.
A recent report from the Ethics & Compliance Initiative’s Global Business Ethics Survey® (GBES®) provides alarming insights. Almost two-thirds of employees, equating to a staggering 65% globally, have witnessed at least one misconduct act in the past 12 months. This isn’t just a slight uptick from previous years; this number represents the highest observed workplace misconduct recorded in the survey’s history.
The data goes further. In previous GBES updates, the calculations were refined to consider specific types of wrongdoing, so we can’t directly compare the global trends before 2020. But when focusing on U.S. figures, where consistent tracking has been maintained since 2000, there’s an evident pattern of high and ever-increasing misconduct. The U.S., while slightly below the global average, still presents a disturbing 53% rate of observed misconduct.
Since 1994, the Ethics & Compliance Initiative (ECI) has spearheaded one of the most reliable studies on workplace behavior – all from the vantage point of the employees. This study has become an authoritative voice that boardrooms and educators rely upon. With input from leading academics, experts in culture and business ethics, and survey researchers, the GBES ensures that its data is valid and valuable.
Today, in its 17th iteration, the GBES data is more than just a set of numbers. It’s a warning.
Workplace misconduct, be it dishonesty, harassment, or any other unethical act, has profound implications. It erodes trust, diminishes morale, and can jeopardize an organization’s reputation and financial standing. The upward trend is not only worrisome, it’s a call to action.
It’s time for businesses, organizations, and leaders to recognize the problem and actively seek solutions. Ethics education, transparent reporting mechanisms, and fostering an environment where employees feel safe to speak up are paramount.
Are you concerned about the ethical standards and conduct within your organization? Chuck Gallagher is an expert on ethics and AI. His insights, experience, and guidance have paved the way for many to navigate these challenging waters. Whether you’re seeking a dynamic speaker for an event, looking for a consultant to provide in-depth strategies, or have questions about workplace ethics, Chuck is your go-to source. Engage Chuck today and take the first step towards fostering an ethically sound workplace
