Workplace Misconduct Not Often Reported By Gen Z
The findings from a recent survey revealed a need for companies to do more to show young employees they can trust their processes.
(Marvin Meyer via Unsplash)
Chicago — Gen Z is least likely to report workplace misconduct than their older counterparts.
In a report from the nonprofit Ethisphere Institute that covers ethical trends in the workplace, Gen Z, Gen X and baby boomers were asked the question, “When you saw misconduct, did you report it?” About 38.9% of Gen Z respondents said they did not report misconduct when they observed it, despite professing a willingness to report it. That’s compared to 31% of millennials who didn’t report misconduct and 27.6% of both Gen X and baby boomers, according to Fast Company.
The findings revealed a need for companies to do more to show young employees they can trust their processes.
Though a significant percentage of respondents from each age group declined to answer Ethisphere’s survey question, Gen Z was the age group that was least likely to answer than the other generations.
According to Ethisphere, that’s because the younger generation is less likely to have confidence in their employer’s anti-retaliation policies and procedures, with 55.5% who witness misconduct saying they didn’t believe corrective action would be taken and 47.1% said they worried about retaliation. Additionally, 41.2% said they feared they wouldn’t remain anonymous after reporting, 40.1% said they didn’t feel comfortable reporting on employees who were senior to them and 21% were afraid that reporting misconduct would hurt their team members.