A graphic chart shows how misconduct can violate policy well before it violates the law.

Misconduct

Violates Policy

Violates the law

Strong Policies

But of course, long before behavior rises to the level of harassment, it can violate policy, since policies often go much farther than laws in terms of limiting inappropriate conduct and creating a respectful workplace.

So as a guiding principle, employees should always avoid any harassing or inappropriate conduct, because even a single incident could violate policy and lead to disciplinary or legal action (depending on your location).

Let’s explore what makes conduct inappropriate more in-depth.