What type of actions would fall under serious misconduct?

Serious misconduct is characterized by behaviors that significantly undermine an organization's integrity, safety, or operational functionality. Actions that lead to suspension or dismissal are clear indicators of serious misconduct, as they demonstrate a violation of professional standards or protocols that are crucial to maintaining order and trust within an organization. Such behaviors may include gross negligence, unethical actions, or any conduct that places employees, the public, or the organization at risk.

In contrast, actions like improper use of equipment, minor infractions, or miscommunication in workplace policies, while potentially problematic, do not typically rise to the level of serious misconduct. These issues may warrant corrective measures, retraining, or disciplinary actions, but they often do not indicate a fundamental breakdown in acceptable conduct sufficient to justify suspension or dismissal. Understanding this distinction is important for managing workplace behavior effectively and enforcing appropriate consequences.