How to deal with employee theft
Unfortunately, employee theft is still a very real risk for your business. Whether it’s theft of company property or important data, your employees could be on the lookout for a score. Theft could lead to losses and harm to your business that could otherwise be avoided.
So, what can you do to deal with employee theft? Keep reading to find out.
- Install CCTV in your Workplace
When you see a break in films or on the news, the perpetrators are often wearing some form of face-covering to prevent CCTV from capturing their face. In your workplace, however, people will notice if Bob from accounting is walking around in a Ski mask.
The point is that CCTV is very effective at deterring theft, especially in the workplace! If you haven’t done, we highly recommend investing in this technology and making it visible.
- Hire a Facilities Management Company
Did you that a facilities management company will do more than simply keep your office squeaky clean? They can also provide security services to protect your workplace from intruders and your business from theft.
Employees are far less likely to attempt to steal from you if security is present in your workplace. The best part is that these security staff members can also monitor your CCTV.
- Conduct Background Checks
Almost anyone can present their best selves for an hour-long interview. The problem is that can never be sure that this is who they really are until you spend time getting to know them better.
This is why background checks can be so helpful. They can alert you to any previous instances of theft or other behaviour that you don’t want to see in your workplace.
- Have a Zero-Tolerance Policy
If your employees know that there will be heavy consequences for theft, they will be less inclined to consider it in the first place. Make your theft policy clear in all employee contracts, and have a clear channel for reporting any incidents.
- Track your Tech
Items such as laptops and phones are incredibly valuable, making them the perfect target for thieves. When loaning these items to your employees to work remotely or take home, ensure that you have trackers on them so you can find them should they go wandering.
- Provide Proper Training
There are a number of ways that an employee can steal from you. They can steal company property, alter invoices for expenses, leak or steal company/customer data, misuse company time, or lie about travel expenses for profit.
Providing adequate training ensures that each of your employees understands what’s appropriate, what’s expected, and what will happen should they break these rules.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to employee theft, there are a lot of steps that you can take to protect your business. Follow the tips in this guide and you’ll be taking the right steps for your company!