Everyday Workplace Policies

3. Inappropriate Conduct

3.1 State your position on antisocial behaviour.

• Make persistent rudeness, lewdness or swearing disciplinary offences.

3.2 Explain that all employees are expected to dress in ways that are appropriate to the working environment, and to maintain reasonable standards of hygiene.

• If protective clothing is necessary, supply it and make sure it is worn.
• If it is important that some employees, such as frontline staff, present a smart appearance, spell this out. Do not discriminate. If it is important for men to dress formally, it is important for women doing the same or equivalent work to do likewise.

3.3 Theft, fraud, violence and the possession or use of drugs are usually regarded as gross misconduct.

• In these cases, consider suspending the offender on full pay while you investigate the incident.
• You must follow the Acas guidelines and apply statutory procedures (see Discipline and grievance issues).