What defines gross misconduct in the workplace?

Gross misconduct in the workplace refers to serious actions or behaviors that significantly violate company policies or threaten the integrity and safety of the work environment. This can include offenses such as theft, harassment, violence, or substance abuse. The defining characteristic of gross misconduct is that it is severe enough to warrant immediate dismissal; employers typically do not need to follow standard disciplinary procedures before terminating an employee for such actions.

The other options pertain to less severe occurrences that do not justify immediate dismissal. For example, a minor breach of company policy, common mistakes, or regular tardiness generally fall under more manageable issues that might be addressed through warnings, training, or progressive discipline rather than outright termination.