Let's be honest, most people's behaviour at work isn't perfect all of the time.
From a little bit of lighthearted gossip at the water cooler to taking a couple of extra-long smoke breaks, a lot can be held against you.
While most bad habits are pretty minor, there are a couple that experts have warned could land you with a hefty fine, and get you in hot water with HR too.
Max Moen, Head of People and Culture at Northerner, reveals some of the nation’s worst workplace bad habits.
The older I get, the more I think the former culture which required taking a break for 10 minutes every 2 hours to have a smoke, think about what your doing, and talk to your colleagues was probably a net-benefit for productivity. pic.twitter.com/xU2FTAHpf1
— The Black Horse (@TheBlackHorse65) January 13, 2025
Smoking and vaping
Max said: "It’s illegal to smoke in virtually any workplace in the UK due to smoke-free legislation which came into force in 2007, with offenders receiving an instant £200 fine. It’s bad news for employers too as they’d also receive a £2000 fine for failing to uphold the rules should an employee be caught smoking.
"While vaping is not currently illegal, most workplaces have rules against the use of e-cigarettes so it’s always best to err on the side of caution.
"If you don’t want to leave the building to smoke, then try an alternative such as nicotine pouches as these are smoke-free and more discreet - allowing you to enjoy nicotine without having to leave the office."
Not having a TV license
"Today, many workplaces have a TV - whether in the foyer playing rolling news, or set up so employees can enjoy their favourite sports games.
"However, businesses can be prosecuted and fined up to £1000 for broadcasting without a TV licence. If you’re in a shared building, it is up to each business to use the space to ensure they have their own TV licence.
"This also includes playing pre-recorded shows or streaming from iPlayer, so those hoping to get around the rules in this way may need to think again."
Oversharing
"It’s great to love your job and be passionate about what you do, but bragging too much to friends and family away from the office could lead to trouble.
"Sharing company information such as client details, financials, or upcoming announcements may be a breach of data protection or against the rules set out in your employee handbook.
"While it’s usually the employer who faces prosecution for data protection or GDPR infringements, you could face disciplinary action or even be fired. So, next time you want to share workplace gossip outside of the workplace you might want to think twice."
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Office drinks
"After-work drinks might be great for company culture, but offices should be careful before fuelling the party with too much booze. Being caught drunk or acting inappropriately in the street after leaving work can result in a fixed penalty notice and even lead to an arrest.
"If you’re caught being drunk and disorderly, you could face a fine of up to £80 from a fixed penalty notice, and more serious cases can be prosecuted in court, with fines up to £1,000."
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