Monitoring for Employee Theft

If everyone could be counted on to begood deterrent for those who would not normally
completely honest, employee theft would neverconsider taking office supplies or other small items
be an issue. While many employees would neverhome with them to be a matter of theft. Your
even consider stealing from the company wherepolicy needs to be clear that what belongs to the
they work, it is always possible that you maycompany stays in the workplace.
have one or more employees who do not feelUnfortunately it is often necessary to take other
the need for such a high level of integrity. Due tomeasures to minimize the risk of employee theft.
the unscrupulous practices of few, it is necessaryNot only will installing video cameras serve as
to take steps to mitigate the risk of employeedeterrence, they will also provide evidence in the
theft, as well as to take appropriate measures ifevent that a theft does occur. In some instances
it does occur.these devices, prominently displayed, are the only
Regardless of the particular type of business, ameans to get the point across that what belongs
company will suffer loss from employee theft.to the company does not belong to the
Whether this is in terms of cash or other financialemployee. It is a good idea to have such
resources being stolen, or employees who believemonitoring devices around any area where cash
there is nothing wrong with taking "free goods"and other financial resources are located.
home with them, it is a serious matter and shouldWhile one may be tempted to feel that
never be tolerated. Not only does employee theftmonitoring devices are intrusive and costly, a bit
cause financial damage to a company, if it isof inconvenience to employees is much better
allowed, it also diminishes company morale tothan the consequences of theft. Monitoring
everyone who works there and the company'sdevices are also much more cost-effective in the
standing in the community as well.long run-- ensuring that your company will not
Monitoring the workplace for potential employeesuffer losses due to employee theft is well worth
theft can be a very delicate situation. You needthe time and moderate expense of installing these
to minimize the risk of theft while at the samedevices.
time not promoting undue accusations or makingLife in general and everyday life in the workplace
your honest employees feel as if they are beingcould be so much easier if everyone could be
penalized for the wrongful actions of others.honest. As nearly any business can encounter the
One of the best defenses against employee thefttype of person who does not have this standard,
is to make your company's zero-tolerance policymaking your employees aware of your
very clear in your standard hiring process.no-tolerance policy, and implementing these
Although this is certainly not a guarantee thatmeasures to ensure compliance, are necessary.
employee theft will not happen, it can still be a