Lying in the Workplace: 46% of Employees Admit – Real Examples Revealed

Last Updated on 10/11/2025

When we think of our average working day, the first thing that springs to mind probably isn’t telling lies. However, if you really think about it, how often do you think you bend the truth in your workplace? Everything from missed deadlines through to avoiding dreaded team building exercises and ‘borrowed’ office supplies could persuade us to tell a little white lie.

To find out just how honest UK employees really are, we surveyed 2,012 workers to learn how often they lie at work, why they do it, and which lies they consider acceptable.

Key Findings

• 69% of UK employees admit to lying at work.

• 47% say they tell up to five lies per day.

• Norwich tops the ranking for workplace dishonesty (78%), followed by Manchester, Newcastle, Glasgow, and London.

• HR professionals are the most likely to lie (83%).

Why Do Employees Lie at Work?

Lying at work isn’t always about malicious intent. Often, it’s driven by fear of conflict, pressure to perform, or simply wanting to avoid awkward situations.

Some employees admit lying to:

• Cover up mistakes or missed deadlines.

• Avoid uncomfortable conversations.

• Protect their reputation or job security.

• Skip social or team-building activities.

While small “white lies” might seem harmless, they can gradually erode trust and transparency in workplace culture.

The Truth About Lying at Work

Our survey revealed that almost seven in ten UK workers (69%) have lied in the workplace.
Nearly half (47%) admitted to telling up to five lies per day.

Based on Office for National Statistics (ONS) data, that translates to 77 million lies told every day in workplaces across the UK.

Norwich leads as the UK’s least truthful city (78%), followed by Manchester (75%), Newcastle (72%), Glasgow (71%), and London (70%).

The Most Common Lies in the Workplace

The lies most often told at work are linked to avoiding responsibility or escaping unwanted commitments.

Top 3 most common lies:

1. Not telling the real reason for booking time off (26%) — often related to interviews or private appointments.

2. Lying to avoid social events with colleagues (25%).

3. Claiming to be “stuck in traffic” when running late.

These small deceptions, repeated daily, can quietly shape company culture.

What’s an Acceptable Lie?

We also asked employees which lies they felt were acceptable at work. The results were surprising:

Some respondents justified their lies as “harmless kindness”, such as telling a colleague “you smell lovely” even when that wasn’t true. Others, however, admitted to more damaging lies—like pretending a teammate was capable of tasks beyond their control.

Generational Differences: Who Lies the Most?

Lying at work appears far more common among younger employees:

• 56% of Baby Boomers admitted to lying at work.

• 76% of Millennials have done so.

• 30% of Gen Z think lying on a CV is acceptable (vs. 18% of Boomers).

This suggests that workplace honesty is evolving—younger generations may feel more pressure to embellish CVs or cover for managers to maintain professional relationships.

Industries Where Dishonesty Is Most Common

Surprisingly, HR professionals top the list of least truthful workers:

• 83% admit to lying at work.

• 38% think lying on a CV is acceptable.

• 30% have done it themselves.

They’re followed by IT & Telecoms (76%).
This contrast shows that even departments promoting transparency often face internal pressures that encourage dishonesty.

How to Build an Honest Workplace Culture

If lying at work feels “normal,” it’s time for change. Here are three proven ways to promote honesty in your company:

1. Lead by Example

Honesty should start from the top. Managers and HR leaders must demonstrate transparency in both actions and communication.

2. Call Out Dishonesty

76% of respondents said they’ve never faced consequences for lying. Establishing clear accountability helps employees understand the value of honesty.

3. Encourage Open Communication

Regular one-to-one check-ins and feedback sessions can help employees feel comfortable speaking truthfully—before dishonesty becomes a habit.

FAQ

What are examples of lying in the workplace?
Common examples include lying about being late, exaggerating performance, or hiding mistakes from managers.

Why do employees lie at work?
Fear of punishment, peer pressure, or avoiding confrontation are frequent reasons behind workplace dishonesty.

Which industries lie the most?
HR and IT professionals reported the highest rates of lying in our survey.

How can employers reduce lying at work?
By fostering trust, rewarding transparency, and ensuring mistakes are treated as learning opportunities.

In Summary

Most UK employees admit to lying at work—usually to avoid embarrassment, protect their image, or skip unwanted obligations.
Creating a culture of open communication, accountability, and empathy can drastically reduce workplace dishonesty and strengthen team morale.