Unacceptable Workplace Behaviors

by Neil Kokemuller, Demand Media Google

Unacceptable workplace behaviors are typically outlined in a company's employee policy manual along with the company code of conduct. While these formal documents usually cover the more common, critical and extreme types of behaviors, more etiquette-centered behaviors aren't always covered but are also important to understand.


Bullying has become one of the most pervasive and problematic workplace behaviors. Aggressive employees, often insecure in their own performance or production, target high-performing but vulnerable employees. They bully them by either aggressively picking on them for their performance, manipulating them into doing the bully's tasks or helping the bully achieve a higher position or better opportunities. Accomplished workplace bullies are good at picking employees with more meek and non-confrontational personalities. Companies normally include bullying in their policies and offer ways for bullied employees to step forward.


Harassment includes discrimination against someone based on legally protected Title VII classifications, such as age, race and gender. This is known as creating a hostile work environment. Sexual harassment, which includes gender-based discrimination, also includes quid pro quo. This occurs when a manager seeks sexual favors from an employee in exchange for promotional opportunities and better pay. Discrimination against anyone based on legally protected traits is not only illegal, but sets a bad tone for the work culture.

Insubordination and Insolence

From an employee perspective, insubordination and insolence are extreme types of unacceptable behaviors. Insolence includes various types of offensive or aggressive actions toward a superior. This includes yelling profanities, making threats or acting in an abusive manner toward someone in authority. Insubordination is the refusal to follow manager direction or to perform tasks in a way that has been directed by leadership. Either of these can lead to swift termination.

Bad Manners

A wide array of behaviors fall under the category of bad manners or poor etiquette. Leaving messes behind in work areas or break rooms, arriving late to work or meetings, leaving a cell phone on during meetings, misuse of company equipment, being rude to clients or partners and violating ethical conduct codes are examples. Some of these behaviors are minor and will simply lead to correction from a manager. Others go against company policy or code, or negatively affect the workplace and can ultimately lead to demotion or termination if not corrected.

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