Worst staff behaviours for disciplinary action

Failing to turn up for work, theft, bullying and rudeness towards colleagues or customers are among the most common serious workplace behaviours resulting in disciplinary action, according to new research from workplace expert Acas.

The survey, commissioned by Acas and carried out by YouGov, asked British businesses about the worst examples of employee behaviour that had resulted in disciplinary proceedings.

The most commonly reported issue was employees not turning up for work, cited by 34% of employers. This was followed by theft or stealing from the workplace (30%), bullying (30%) and being rude to colleagues or customers (30%). More than a quarter (27%) reported disciplinary action involving employees taking sick leave when they were not genuinely ill.

The findings come as Acas launches a consultation on proposed updates to its Code of Practice on disciplinary and grievance procedures.

The Code provides guidance to employers, employees and representatives on dealing with disciplinary matters and workplace grievances fairly and consistently. It was last fully revised in 2009.

Acas says the updated Code will place greater emphasis on resolving workplace conflict informally and at an early stage where appropriate, while also improving the handling of formal procedures.

Baroness Maggie Jones, Acas Chair, said: “Our poll reveals the worst types of behaviours reported by bosses that lead to disciplinary action at work. It’s important for these issues to be dealt with as early as possible.”

She added that not every situation leading to disciplinary action is clear-cut and stressed that both employers and workers have rights and responsibilities.

Addressing concerns early, Acas says, can help organisations reduce the financial costs and workplace stress associated with unresolved disputes.

The consultation is seeking views from employers, employees and other interested parties on how disciplinary and grievance procedures can be improved.

For businesses, the findings also highlight the importance of having clear workplace policies, communicating expected standards of behaviour and following fair procedures when problems arise.

The Acas consultation closes on 23 September 2026.