The Startling Findings

A recent study suggests that the vast majority of intentional policy breaches stem not from some malicious desire to cause harm, but rather, from the perception that following the rules would impede employees’ ability to get their work done effectively.

Employees are more likely to violate policy on days when they are more stressed out, suggesting that high-stress levels can reduce people’s tolerance for following rules that seem to get in the way of doing their jobs.