A significant new report uncovers Generation Z’s propensity for bending workplace rules, highlighting complex ethical challenges in modern organisations.
- Around 23% of employees globally believe rule-breaking is acceptable if it gets the job done, with 14% admitting to such actions.
- Generation Z is 2.5 times more likely to break rules compared to Boomers, indicating a generational shift in workplace ethics.
- Strong ethical cultures correlate with lower misconduct rates and higher reporting rates, showcasing a clear advantage in organisational performance.
- The report underscores the need for addressing trust issues in procedural justice and adapting ethical guidelines to meet the challenges of a diverse workforce.
A new report highlights a growing trend of rule-bending among Generation Z employees. Around 23% of employees worldwide approve of breaking rules to accomplish tasks, with 14% confessing to engaging in such behaviour.
Generation Z stands out significantly, being 2.5 times more likely to engage in rule-breaking than Boomers, raising concerns about a changing ethical landscape in workplaces. This data, sourced from a comprehensive study of over 8,500 employees across 15 countries and 13 industries, underscores the generational divide in attitudes towards workplace ethics.
The research further reveals that organisations with robust ethical cultures experience fewer incidents of misconduct, with a 1.5 times higher rate of reporting observed misconduct compared to those with weaker ethical frameworks. This indicates a lower risk profile due to increased awareness and accountability.
Globally, one-third of participants reported witnessing unethical behaviour in the past year, with issues such as harassment, discrimination, and safety violations frequently cited. However, 21% of these individuals refrained from reporting due to a lack of faith in their company’s response or fear of retaliation. This highlights an urgent need for enhancing trust in procedural justice within organisations.
Additionally, the study explored employee perceptions of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the workplace. A slight majority view AI positively, with those in adaptive, resilient companies being twice as likely to see AI as beneficial. This suggests that flexibility in workplace culture significantly influences receptivity to technological advancements.
The report concludes that ethical business cultures not only outperform in traditional metrics such as customer satisfaction and competitiveness but also adapt more effectively to change, demonstrating that cultivating an ethical culture is integral to business success. The disparity in perceived ethical culture between senior leaders and front-line employees also calls for attention, pointing to a disconnect that needs bridging.
Lastly, the research emphasises that psychological safety is the strongest predictor of whether employees report misconduct. Hybrid workers generally have a more favourable view of their company’s ethical culture, which correlates with lower observed misconduct and higher reporting rates. Ethical culture significantly influences employee retention, independent of factors like compensation or job responsibilities, explaining 41% of the variation in employees’ willingness to remain at their organisation.
Addressing the generational and procedural gaps in workplace ethics is imperative for fostering a trustworthy and adaptive organisational culture.
