Which best defines gross misconduct?

• A. Employee wrongdoing that is willful, intentional, reckless, or deliberately indifferent to the employer's interests
• B. Minor policy violation that does not impact work performance
• C. Unintentional error in judgment that is promptly corrected
• D. Poor work quality due to lack of training

Answer: (A)

Gross misconduct involves serious, willful, or reckless behavior that shows a deliberate disregard for the employer’s interests, safety, or policies. It goes beyond ordinary policy breaches or mistakes and can justify immediate termination. The option captures this by describing wrongdoing that is willful, intentional, reckless, or deliberately indifferent to the employer’s interests. In contrast, minor policy violations, unintentional errors promptly corrected, or poor work quality due to lack of training reflect performance or compliance issues that are not, by themselves, gross misconduct.