| rk it's easy for employees to think "oh, it's just a pen - | | | | termination. |
| no one will notice", however these small things can add | | | | Your company should keep a well maintained log of |
| up to big losses for a company over the course of | | | | office inventory and which employees they have been |
| their lifespan. Something needs to be done to reverse | | | | assigned to. This should be done not just for the |
| the belief of some employees that it is alright to take | | | | protection of staff but it can also proved extremely |
| items that someone else has paid for. One of the | | | | useful in the event of a break in where a police report |
| primary reasons for this sort of casual theft is that | | | | is being filed. |
| workers may believe that they are getting the respect | | | | It would be a good idea to keep your office stationary |
| - or perhaps the money - they feel that they deserve. | | | | supplies in a suitable locked cupboard with a |
| Other people may do it simply out of opportunism. | | | | responsible member of staff being chosen to look |
| Whatever the reason, it is in the best interests of the | | | | after it. A simple system requiring employees to sign |
| company to prevent it so here are some useful tips on | | | | out items they are taking would be an effective |
| ways to prevent further theft. | | | | method of keeping track of inventory. |
| Whenever you have a new employee join the | | | | If you have equipment such as photocopy machines |
| company you should provide them with a manual that | | | | then your company should issue password codes for |
| clearly explains all company policies and procedures. | | | | their use. This is a proven method of reducing cases |
| Make sure that you work with your HR staff to | | | | of employees making photocopies for their own |
| ensure that the issue of respecting company property | | | | personal gain. |
| is very clearly addressed. The policies should also | | | | It is also worth asking advice from your employees on |
| address the proper use of company computers, | | | | how to deal with cases of theft and other security |
| telephones, emails and fax machines so that they | | | | issues. This will benefit the company as the more they |
| aren't used for personal use as well as stating that any | | | | understand regarding security issues and the knock on |
| equipment must not be taken off the premises. | | | | effect that theft has in terms of promotions, holiday |
| Each employee should be asked to sign an | | | | bonuses, Christmas bonuses, etc then the less likely |
| appropriate document which states that they have | | | | they will be to help themselves to company property. |
| received, read and understood the manual. Office theft | | | | Employees should also be trained how to protect their |
| is significantly less likely to occur when employees | | | | personal belongings from walk in theft, especially during |
| have signed a formal agreement stating that if they | | | | holiday time. They should be taught the importance of |
| are found to be in any violation of the rules that there | | | | locking up valuables, memorising access codes and |
| will be significant grounds for disciplinary action or | | | | being aware of any strangers on the premises. |