When deadlines loom and targets need to be met, it can be tempting to take shortcuts. However, new research from Landmark Technologies suggests that pressure in the workplace is increasingly leading employees to cut corners on compliance, creating potential risks for businesses across Ireland.
According to the research, more than half (51%) of office workers say they have felt pressure to bypass compliance procedures in order to meet deadlines or targets during the past year. Meanwhile, 54% believe their organisation prioritises speed or results over compliance obligations, while 52% say they have witnessed senior management bend or break compliance rules.
These findings suggest that compliance challenges are not simply caused by a lack of training or awareness. Instead, workplace culture itself may be encouraging risky behaviours. In this blog, we explore why leadership plays such a crucial role in shaping compliance culture and why businesses must create environments where employees feel empowered to do the right thing.
Leadership sets the tone
Culture starts at the top. Employees pay close attention to how managers and senior leaders approach compliance and governance. If leaders are seen to bypass policies or prioritise results above all else, employees are far more likely to adopt similar behaviours.
This is why our survey findings are particularly concerning. When more than half of employees say they have witnessed senior management breaking compliance rules, it suggests that poor practices may be becoming normalised in many organisations. If leaders fail to follow the rules themselves, it becomes much harder to encourage employees to take compliance seriously.
As organisations face increasing obligations around data protection, cybersecurity and regulatory compliance, leadership accountability has become more important than ever. Compliance cannot simply be viewed as a box-ticking exercise. Instead, it must be embedded within everyday decision-making and reinforced through the actions of leadership teams.
Compliance risk management
Modern workplaces are under constant pressure to deliver results quickly. Employees are expected to meet demanding deadlines and adapt to changing business requirements. While these pressures are understandable, they can sometimes create environments where compliance takes a back seat.
Landmark’s research found that 12% of employees admitted bypassing compliance protocols to meet a deadline during the past year. Meanwhile, a quarter used personal cloud storage services for work files, while 18% shared customer data through unsecured channels such as personal email or WhatsApp.
These actions are not always malicious. In many cases, employees may simply be trying to work more efficiently. However, these shortcuts can expose organisations to significant cybersecurity and reputational risks. Organisations must prioritise effective compliance risk management to ensure that processes are practical and easy to follow.
How businesses can ensure compliance with regulations
A strong compliance culture also depends on accountability. Employees need to feel comfortable reporting compliance concerns without worrying about negative consequences. However, Landmark’s research found that one-in-ten office workers knowingly failed to report a compliance breach they were aware of during the past year.
There are many reasons why employees may choose not to speak up. Some may fear repercussions, while others may believe that reporting concerns will not lead to meaningful action. In some cases, employees may simply be unsure about what constitutes a reportable breach.
Whatever the reason, underreporting creates risk. Small issues can quickly develop into cybersecurity incidents if they are left unresolved. Organisations that encourage transparency and demonstrate leadership accountability will be far better positioned to identify problems early. These measures also help organisations ensure compliance with regulations while building trust across the workforce.
In summary.
Compliance culture is shaped by the behaviours that organisations reward and encourage. If employees feel pressure to prioritise speed over governance, or if they see leaders bypassing compliance rules, risky behaviours can quickly become embedded across the business.
Landmark Technologies’ research highlights the importance of leadership accountability and open reporting cultures. Businesses that lead by example and make compliance part of everyday working life will be better equipped to reduce risk and navigate an increasingly complex regulatory environment.
To find out more about Landmark’s cybersecurity and regulatory compliance services, speak to our highly skilled technical or customer service teams. Call us on 01 569 1056 or email hello@landmark.ie.
