Workplace behaviour: why ignoring it could cost your business dearly

30 Oct 2025

By Albany HR. 

As an expert HR consultant in Edinburgh, I’ll explain how to spot, prevent, and address inappropriate behaviour to safeguard your business.

You’re building something special with your business, pouring your time, energy, and passion into its growth. But what happens when subtle, or not so subtle, inappropriate behaviours start to chip away at the very foundation of your team?

It’s a tough topic, and one many business owners hope they’ll never have to face, but ignoring it can have devastating consequences for your people and your bottom line.

From a seemingly harmless joke that lands badly, to persistent exclusion or personal criticism, these issues can quietly erode morale, productivity, and even your carefully built reputation.

As an HR consultant, I’ve seen first-hand how quickly a vibrant workplace can become a toxic environment if early warning signs are missed. This is where comprehensive HR consultancy services in Edinburgh can make a profound difference.

How inappropriate behaviour takes root

It’s rarely an overnight transformation. Often, inappropriate behaviour creeps in subtly, almost unnoticed at first. Perhaps it starts with what’s dismissed as ‘just a bit of banter’ – a joke that leaves someone feeling uncomfortable.

Over time, this can escalate. It might become an employee being consistently excluded from team discussions, or receiving personal criticism that feels targeted and unfair. In some cases, it can even involve unwanted contact or persistent comments that cross a line.

These aren’t just ‘people problems’; they’re a corrosive force that eats away at the trust and respect vital for any thriving business.

The hidden price of ignoring the red flags

As a business owner, you’re focused on growth, customer satisfaction, and a healthy bottom line. But what you might not realise is that ignoring early signs of inappropriate behaviour can directly sabotage these goals.

Think about it: when team members feel unsafe, undervalued, or constantly on edge, their performance will naturally suffer. This isn’t just about a drop in individual output; it can ripple through your entire team, reducing overall productivity and even impacting customer service.

Then there’s the cost of high staff turnover. When good people leave because of a toxic environment, you lose valuable knowledge, face recruitment costs, and spend precious time onboarding new hires.

And in the worst-case scenarios, unchecked bullying and harassment can lead to formal complaints, costly legal claims, and significant damage to your business’s reputation – something that takes years to rebuild.

Practical steps to build a respectful culture

The good news is you don’t have to wait for things to escalate. Proactive steps can make a huge difference in fostering a respectful and inclusive workplace where everyone feels safe and valued.

• Set clear expectations: Don’t just say ‘be respectful’. Define what respectful conduct looks like in your workplace. Provide specific examples of acceptable and unacceptable behaviours, making sure everyone understands the boundaries.
• Communicate consistently: Integrate these expectations into your onboarding process, discuss them in one-to-ones, and revisit them in team meetings. Regular reminders reinforce their importance.
• Address issues promptly and privately: When you spot something, act. A quick, private conversation can often prevent minor issues from becoming major problems. Show your team that you take concerns seriously. Don’t ignore them and hope that the issue goes away!
• Lead by example: As the business owner, your behaviour sets the tone. Model the respect and professionalism you expect from your team. This is perhaps the most powerful tool you have.

How an HR consultant can help you safeguard your business

Dealing with these challenges can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re juggling countless other business priorities. That’s where an expert HR consultant can be an invaluable partner. I work with business owners like you to create clarity and confidence around workplace behaviour, helping you build stronger teams and better workplaces. Here’s how I can support you:

• Culture and policy review: We’ll review your current workplace culture and policies, identifying any blind spots or areas where inappropriate behaviours might unintentionally thrive. You can see how we helped one client in this case study.
• Tailored guidelines: I’ll help you develop clear, practical behaviour and anti-harassment guidelines that are specific to your business, ensuring they’re easy for everyone to understand and follow.
• Effective training: Providing engaging training for managers and staff is crucial. I deliver sessions that equip your team with the tools to recognise and address inappropriate conduct respectfully.
• Early intervention and resolution: I can advise on the best strategies for early intervention and conflict resolution, helping you address issues before they escalate and become disruptive. And if they do escalate, mediation can be a good solution.
• Legal compliance and risk reduction: Ensuring your practices align with UK employment law isn’t just good practice; it protects your business from potential legal claims and reputational damage.

Ultimately, preventing workplace bullying and harassment isn’t just about ticking a box; it’s about protecting the positive culture you’ve worked so hard to build and ensuring your business thrives. It’s about creating an environment where every employee feels respected, valued, and empowered to contribute their best.

If you’re ready to ensure your workplace is a safe, inclusive, and productive space for everyone, let’s have a confidential conversation. As an outsourced HR consultant in Edinburgh, I’ve helped many UK businesses manage these challenges with empathy and focus, transforming potential headaches into opportunities for stronger team cohesion and business success.

Book a discovery call today, and let’s discuss how practical steps can make a lasting impact on your team and your bottom line.