Misconduct at work: Common examples and when to report  

Understanding workplace misconduct 

Misconduct at work can take many forms, from financial fraud to harassment, and can severely impact employees, businesses, and society. The EU Whistleblowing Directive (Directive 2019/1937), along with national whistleblower protection laws across Europe, ensures that employees can report wrongdoing without fear of retaliation. In this article, we outline common examples of workplace misconduct and explain when and how they should be reported. 

Common examples of workplace misconduct 

1. Financial misconduct & fraud 

Financial misconduct can undermine trust in businesses and institutions. Examples include: 

• Embezzlement or misappropriation of company funds 

• Manipulation of financial records or tax fraud 

• Bribery, kickbacks, and conflicts of interest 

• Fraudulent use of public funds or EU subsidies 

These offenses often violate anti-corruption laws and financial regulations and can be reported under whistleblower protection laws. 

2. Corruption & ethical violations 

Corruption damages workplaces by fostering unfair practices and unethical behavior, such as: 

• Offering or accepting bribes 

• Favoritism or nepotism in hiring and promotions 

• Abuse of power for personal gain 

Whistleblowing plays a crucial role in exposing corruption and ensuring fairness in corporate and public sectors. 

3. Workplace harassment & discrimination 

A safe and inclusive workplace is essential for employee well-being. Misconduct in this area includes: 

• Sexual harassment in the workplace 

• Discrimination based on gender, race, religion, disability, or sexual orientation 

• Bullying or abusive behavior by managers or colleagues 

 
Note: While most European countries have strict labour laws to protect employees from harassment and discrimination, not all national whistleblower protection laws cover breaches of labour law. In some jurisdictions, such issues may need to be addressed through human resources or labour courts rather than whistleblowing channels.  

However, in cases where harassment or discrimination intersects with violations of broader legal or ethical standards – such as breaches of workplace safety laws or human rights protections – reporting through a whistleblowing system may still be appropriate. Understanding the legal framework in your country is key to ensuring that workplace misconduct is addressed effectively. 

4. Health & safety violations 

Employers have a legal duty to provide safe working conditions. Misconduct related to workplace safety includes: 

• Unsafe working conditions that put employees at risk 

• Failure to comply with workplace safety regulations (e.g., lack of protective equipment) 

• Concealment of workplace accidents or injuries 

Violations of health and safety regulations should be reported to protect employees from harm and ensure compliance with workplace safety laws. 

5. Environmental violations 

Environmental misconduct can have long-term consequences for public health and ecosystems. Examples include: 

• Illegal dumping of hazardous waste 

• Breaches of environmental regulations, such as pollution control laws 

• Non-compliance with EU sustainability policies 

Whistleblowing can help enforce environmental laws and prevent companies from engaging in harmful practices. 

6. Data protection & privacy breaches 

With strict data protection regulations like GDPR, mishandling personal data can have serious legal consequences. Examples include: 

• Unlawful processing or mishandling of personal data 

• Unauthorized access to confidential employee or customer records 

• Failure to report a data breach within the required timeframe 

Reporting data breaches helps ensure compliance with privacy laws and protects individuals from identity theft and misuse of personal information. 

7. Public health & consumer protection violations 

Ensuring consumer safety and public health is a priority under EU law. Misconduct in this category includes: 

• Sale of defective or unsafe products 

• Non-compliance with food safety regulations 

• Falsifying product certifications or misleading advertising 

Reporting such violations helps prevent harm to consumers and ensures regulatory compliance. 

8. Retaliation against whistleblowers 

Whistleblower protection laws exist to prevent retaliation against those who report wrongdoing. Unlawful retaliation includes: 

• Firing, demoting, or harassing employees for reporting misconduct 

• Intimidation or threats aimed at discouraging whistleblowing 

Employers must respect whistleblower rights and maintain secure reporting channels to encourage transparency. 

How to report workplace misconduct 

Under the EU Whistleblowing Directive, companies with 50 or more employees must establish confidential internal reporting channels for whistleblowers. Depending on the nature of the misconduct, reports can also be submitted to external authorities such as labor inspection agencies, financial regulators, or data protection authorities. 

Why reporting matters 

Speaking up about workplace misconduct is essential for ensuring ethical business practices, protecting employees, and maintaining compliance with European laws. Whistleblowers play a key role in safeguarding transparency and accountability in the workplace. 

If you witness workplace misconduct, familiarize yourself with your company’s whistleblowing procedures or seek guidance from regulatory bodies to ensure your report is handled properly. 

Stay informed by exploring our resources on whistleblowing compliance and best practices. Would you like to learn more about secure internal reporting channels? Please book a free meeting with our experts – we’ll answer your questions and give you a brief demonstration of the Whistlelink platform.