What classification would fighting or theft in the workplace generally fall under?

Fighting or theft in the workplace is classified as gross misconduct because these actions are severe breaches of conduct that jeopardize the safety and integrity of the work environment. Gross misconduct typically refers to behaviors that demonstrate a lack of respect for the workplace, including criminal activities, violent behavior, and serious violations of company policies.

These actions not only disrupt the workplace but also create a climate of fear and distrust among employees, and they can lead to legal implications for both the individual involved and the organization. Because of the serious nature of fighting and theft, employers are justified in taking immediate disciplinary actions, including termination of employment, which is in line with policies concerning gross misconduct.

In contrast, minor misconduct would involve less serious infractions that do not severely impact the workplace, while normal dismissal usually refers to routine termination based on performance or redundancy rather than serious behavioral issues. Workplace policy violations cover a broad range of infractions but do not necessarily reflect the seriousness and potential legal implications of fighting or theft.