Final answer:
Personal difficulties affecting work performance can be considered grounds for unprofessional conduct if they are not properly managed, impacting both the individual and the organization negatively.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement 'Personal difficulties affecting work performance are not grounds for unprofessional conduct' is generally false. While personal challenges can indeed impact a person's professional life, it is up to the individual to manage these difficulties in a way that minimizes their effect on work performance. This can be especially challenging, and failing to maintain a professional standard due to personal difficulties can be considered unprofessional behavior. However, it is also worth noting that employers must create a supportive work environment and may need to provide accommodations or support for issues like work-related illnesses and other hazards under recent legislation that protects employees' health and safety.
It is important for individuals to recognize that maintaining professional conduct in the workplace is essential, regardless of personal difficulties. Recognizing and seeking out support to manage personal challenges that are affecting work performance is a key aspect of professionalism. A failure to do so may not only result in detrimental outcomes for the individual but also for the wider organization, as seen in past incidents of high-profile business and safety failures.