In one of my previous roles, operators were expected to use gloves to do their jobs. Management supplied employees with just enough gloves to get through each shift. Some operators took a few more than they immediately needed. This led to gloves running out before everyone received a pair. As a result, employees began taking more than they needed and hoarding them in their lockers to ensure they always had access to a pair.
Management did not provide an environment where their expectations could be met easily—either through adequate supplies or leadership that addressed the behavior early. This sent the message that saving money on gloves was more important than ensuring everyone had what they needed to work safely.
The same principle applies to any process management expects employees to follow. Leaders must create an environment where meeting expectations is realistic and supported. Part of this is ensuring employees trust that management will consistently support the process and allow it to work, rather than abandoning it to meet short-term production goals or other metrics. When employees don’t trust that they’ll have what they need to do their jobs, they will find ways to get the work done—even if that means bypassing the process altogether.