The study found that seven in ten UK workers claim that bad behaviour is rife in their place of work - admitting that the regular occurrence of racist jokes, arguments and bullying could offend colleagues.
In the survey, SME bosses and workers were questioned separately about behaviour in the workplace and comparing the responses revealed a considerable gap in attitudes.
Some 70% of SME bosses said they are ‘unconcerned' about the threat of legal action, suggesting they are unaware of potential pitfalls. Half said they find it acceptable to display ‘sexy celebrity' calendars while 49% said it is acceptable to rate the relative attractiveness of colleagues.
SME bosses and workers were questioned separately about behaviour in the
workplace and comparing the responses revealed a considerable gap in
attitudes
This is despite more than half (55%) of those workers surveyed claiming they would consider legal action if office behaviour crossed the line.
Almost nine in ten SME bosses said staff need to be ‘grown up' over office antics, with eight in ten believing there is nothing wrong with office banter and two in five saying it is not their role to regulate it.
On the other hand, half of employees disagree and believe their boss should do more to reign in unacceptable behaviour. Some 58% of workers surveyed expect colleagues to get drunk and misbehave at their festive bash, and two thirds (66%) think conduct is worse if parties are held in the office.
Questionable conduct seen regularly in UK workplaces includes:
1. Use of nicknames for colleagues (61%)
2. Swearing (59%)
3. Use of pet names such as ‘love', ‘babe' and ‘hon' (47%)
4. Hugging (42%)
5. Banter of a sexual nature (35%)
6. Arguments/shouting (33%)
7. Jokes of a religious, racial or sexual nature (28%)
8. Discussions about most/least attractive colleagues (16%)
9. Bullying (15%)
"In the modern workplace one employee's banter can easily turn into another employee's lawsuit. With 70% of employees citing behaviour in the workplace as often offensive, our research highlights an area of workplace culture that SME bosses must be more aware of in order to avoid unexpected legal action," said Callum Taylor, small business expert at Hiscox.
"This is a year round issue but one that will become particularly relevant in the office Christmas party season, particularly with many companies opting to cut costs and have their celebrations in the office. Having in place a clear code of office conduct and ensuring that behaviour falls within acceptable boundaries could help prevent a damaging and expensive legal action."
