Irish workers are among the strictest in the world when it comes to ethically questionable practices like nepotism and fake sick days, according to a new survey.
The research by the Institute of Business Ethics, in conjunction with the Compliance Institute, found that workers in Ireland were less likely than the global average to find questionable workplace actions acceptable.
The ‘Ethics at Work: 2024 International Survey of Employees’ polled 12,000 workers in 16 countries, including 750 in Ireland.
It revealed that eight-in-ten Irish employees view nepotism as unacceptable and disapprove of taking disingenuous sick days.
According to the survey, 93% of respondents condemn making sexual advances towards a colleague.
Seven-in-ten are against taking company stationery from work for personal use.
Almost 90% of respondents disapprove of charging personal entertainment to company expenses, and more than 80% reject claiming company fuel for personal use.
“The research findings reflect a deeply ingrained commitment to ethical standards among employees, which is vital for the integrity of Irish workplaces,” said Michael Kavanagh, CEO of the Compliance Institute.
“What stands out most is not just the strong opposition to more obvious ethical breaches like nepotism and inappropriate advances, but the heightened awareness around everyday actions such as the misuse of company resources.”
“These are behaviours that, though seemingly minor, can erode trust and create a culture of dishonesty if left unchecked,” Mr Kavanagh said.