It’s a story that unfolds in countless companies—an employee makes a seemingly minor decision to misuse company resources, like inflating an expense report by a few dollars, using company assets for personal gain, or misusing meal credits. While it may seem trivial, the consequences can be far-reaching. As a business ethics speaker and author, I always hear about this. But, the recent case involving Meta employees fired for misusing meal credits is a prime example of how every choice, no matter how small, has a consequence.
According to reports, multiple Meta employees were terminated for improperly using company-provided meal credits. This might sound like a minor infraction compared to grander corporate fraud schemes or embezzlement. Yet, this incident demonstrates a fundamental truth I often emphasize in my talks: “Even the smallest ethical lapses can lead to significant outcomes.”
The Meta Case: A Lesson in Accountability
In October 2024, CNN reported on Meta’s decision to let go of employees who misused meal credits when the company was already undergoing massive layoffs. This unexpected turn of events, like many tech companies, Meta was tightening its belt, and the misuse of resources—no matter how seemingly insignificant—became a focal point. The affected employees likely didn’t consider that swiping meal credits inappropriately would lead to job loss. Yet, their actions violated company policy and broke trust—something far more difficult to rebuild than lost credit.
This case clearly reminds us that even minor, ethical missteps ripple through an organization in ways employees often don’t foresee. In a company grappling with downsizing, the misuse of any resource becomes a stark reminder of the importance of accountability and integrity.
Ethical Lapses Start Small but End Big
Many cases I’ve encountered as a business ethics speaker follow a similar trajectory. The initial infraction—a seemingly harmless act—creates a foundation for more significant, damaging behavior. It starts with something small, like inflating an expense report by a few dollars or using company assets for personal gain. Over time, if unchecked, these behaviors escalate. The Meta meal credit issue underscores that ethical lines become blurred when employees feel entitled to company resources.
I stress this in my presentations: “Ethics isn’t about big versus small issues—it’s about consistency.”
Verifiable Examples from the Business World
The Meta case isn’t an isolated incident. Other high-profile examples of employees misusing company resources demonstrate how what might start as a minor ethical lapse can turn into significant consequences:
- Expense Fraud in the Corporate World: An EY audit report from 2023 found that 13% of employees in surveyed companies admitted to inflating expense reports. In one case, an executive who padded a business trip by adding personal expenses ultimately faced termination and legal charges for embezzlement. What started as minor expense manipulation became career-ending.
- Tesla Employee Misuse of Corporate Travel: Tesla, a giant in the tech world, faced an internal scandal in 2022 when several employees were found to have abused corporate travel accounts. What began as employees misclassifying expenses for personal trips led to more extensive investigations into misuse, resulting in a broader internal audit and subsequent layoffs.
- Pharmaceutical Industry Misconduct: A 2021 case involving a high-level pharmaceutical executive misusing company funds for personal vacations also made headlines. This executive not only lost their job but faced industry-wide delisting. A seemingly minor ethical infraction cascaded into a career-ending decision.
The Importance of Organizational Trust
Each of these examples illustrates the broader issue of trust within an organization. When employees misuse company resources—meal credits, travel expenses, or corporate accounts—they violate policy and erode the faith that is foundational to their employment. This erosion of trust can lead to a toxic work environment, decreased productivity, and, ultimately, damage the company’s reputation. Once that trust is broken, it can be impossible to regain.
As companies continue to tighten budgets and resources, as we’ve seen in Meta’s case, ethical behavior becomes non-negotiable. Employees may think that small acts of misconduct go unnoticed, but in a culture that values accountability, every decision counts.
Every Choice Matters
The truth is that every choice we make—whether at home, at work, or in public—carries a consequence. In a professional setting, those consequences can be immediate, as seen with the Meta employees, or they can unfold over time, as we’ve observed in other industries. Misusing a company resource sends a message—whether intentional or not—that ethical boundaries don’t matter.
As someone who speaks regularly about business ethics and corporate responsibility, I can’t emphasize enough the importance of considering the long-term consequences of every decision. It’s not just about doing what’s right when others are watching—it’s about maintaining personal integrity and corporate accountability. Each of us has the power to make ethical decisions that contribute to a culture of trust and responsibility in our workplace.
Key Takeaways for Employers and Employees
So, what can companies and individuals learn from these cases?
- Enforce clear policies: Companies should ensure enforceable policies regarding resource use. But more importantly, they must regularly communicate these policies to employees so there’s no ambiguity.
- Foster a culture of integrity: Creating a workplace where ethical behavior is rewarded and lapses are addressed immediately helps deter potential misconduct.
- Understand the ripple effect: Employees must understand that every decision—no matter how small—has a potential ripple effect within the organization. A seemingly minor ethical lapse can lead to a loss of trust, increased scrutiny, and even legal consequences, affecting the individual, their colleagues, and the company.
- Lead by example: Leadership must embody the ethical standards it expects from its employees. When leaders act with integrity, they set the tone for the rest of the company.
- Act promptly: Companies should act swiftly in addressing any ethical infractions, no matter how small, to maintain a culture of accountability.
Final Thoughts
The case of Meta’s employees misusing meal credits is a cautionary tale for anyone in the corporate world. What might seem trivial at the time can have enormous repercussions. Whether it’s a meal credit, a travel expense, or a company asset, every choice we make has the potential to either build trust or break it.
In my years as a business ethics speaker and author, one message always rings true: Ethical behavior isn’t about the size of the decision but the consistency of our actions. If we want to avoid the pitfalls of minor missteps growing into enormous consequences, we must remain vigilant in our commitment to ethical behavior in all business areas.
—
Do you have questions or thoughts about strengthening your organization’s commitment to ethical behavior? Let’s start a conversation. Feel free to comment or reach out directly.
