Glossary

Small Business Glossary and Definitions

What is Gross Misconduct in the Workplace?

Gross Misconduct in the Workplace arises when an employee acts in a manner that destroys the employer/employee relationship. A wide variety of behaviors can be classified as gross misconduct, including endangering oneself or coworkers, criminal activity, high levels of insubordination and dishonesty, and intentional acts of violence. Gross misconduct is typically grounds for immediate dismissal of an employee.

Employers can also be responsible for gross misconduct in the areas of employee discrimination, violations of employment law, and financial fraud. In such cases, the employer may be investigated by legal authorities and subjected to civil and/or criminal penalties.