Misconduct in the News in July 2024

Workplace misconduct is costing organizations big time. New research on the State of Workplace Injustice reports that U.S. employers are losing over $917 billion in disengagement and turnover related to toxic workplaces alone. 

As we look at the misconduct scandals that made headlines this month, it’s not hard to see why. CEOs, federal judges, and media executives resigned after harassment claims, staff being pressured to overworking to the point of literal death, and more, these headlines remind us how common misconduct is. It’s also a great reminder it’s important to foster a healthy, respectful, and safe work environment. Let’s take a look at some of the top workplace misconduct headlines: 

1. Former James City County police officer sues department; says he shot superior officer after attempted sexual assault (13 News Now) 

2. Alaska federal judge resigns after investigators say he created a hostile workplace (Iowa Public Radio News)

A federal judge in Alaska resigned this week after investigators concluded he created a hostile work environment by sending crude messages to employees, engaging in sexual contact with a former law clerk and lying to colleagues about that relationship.

3. Bipartisan Women, Torres And Hinson Secures Provisions To Limit Judicial Sexual Harassment And Workplace Misconduct (Norma Torres) 

4.San Diego Wave denies toxic-workplace allegations by former employees (Axios)

“Multiple former San Diego Wave FC employees on Wednesday alleged on social media that club president Jill Ellis cultivated a toxic work environment. The club denied the allegations in a statement, calling them ‘inaccurate and defamatory … [and] categorically false.’”

5. Jim Irsay Has Blunt Three-Word Message About Dan Snyder's Departure (MSN)

“Snyder is also getting hit with a $60 million fine from the NFL as a result of the workplace misconduct investigation. Unfortunately, that won't put much of a dent in what he'll get from the sale of the Commanders.” 

6. Netflix's Horizon Live-Action Series Reportedly Not Moving Forward (GameSpot)

“...in the wake of workplace misconduct allegations against Blackman for his conduct on The Umbrella Academy, Horizon may no longer be happening at Netflix.”

7. Mediaweek publisher to ‘step back’ amid workplace misconduct claims (Financial Review)

“Trent Thomas, the publisher and owner of one of Australia’s biggest trade media publications, Mediaweek, has “stepped back” from the business after it emerged an investigation had found he sexually harassed and bullied staff.”

8. Wall Street’s Toxic Culture Under Fire as Pressure to Change Grows (MSN)

“Wall Street has provoked outrage and spurred calls for an investigation into an alleged toxic work culture at the Bank of America after a veteran Green Beret died from possible overworking.” 

9. More than two weeks of court time set aside for TRU VP's defamation lawsuit to go to trial (CASTANET)

“More than two weeks of court time has been set aside for a trial in the case of a Thompson Rivers University vice-president suing his accusers after being cleared following a high-profile investigation into allegations of serious workplace misconduct.”

10. Rail worker's affair with senior boss sparked 'toxic' workplace atmosphere (HR Grapevine)

“A rail worker’s affair with a senior manager boiled over into a toxic workplace row and a £35,000 lawsuit from an employee who claimed he was victimised for being friends with one of the secret lovers.”

11. Embattled CEO of major SD social services agency steps down (South Dakota News Watch)

“The abrupt resignation at the Rural Office of Community Services comes 18 months after he was the subject of a stinging federal workplace sexual harassment settlement of $320,000.”

12. Colorado VA medical facility leaders created a ‘psychologically unsafe’ environment for employees (Government Executive)

“A pair of inspector general investigations substantiated claims that VA officials in Aurora, Colo., presided over a toxic work environment that also featured a year-long pause in certain surgeries due to staff departures.”

As July comes to an end, these stories of workplace misconduct highlight the crucial need for taking proactive steps to create healthy and respectful work environments. While some companies are taking action to keep their people and profits safe from these preventable issues, regulatory bodies have also started stepping in to level the playing field. Louisiana, for example, decided that nondisclosure agreements can’t hide sexual misconduct at work. By tackling these issues directly, we not only prevent financial losses and legal issues but also prioritize the rights and well-being of every employee.