Ways to Deal with Employee Theft

One of the most unappealing things about managing a workplace is having to deal with ugly situations. Employee theft, or, internal theft is perhaps the single worst scenario to encounter because often times, you won’t know the extent of it, at least, right away. This behavior can take shape in a number of ways, including fudging clock-in and clock-out times, taking supplies without permission, or, even stealing money. While the latter might get your heightened attention, it’s the more subtle that can go on for much longer periods and cost more in losses.

Ways to Deal with Employee Theft

Make no mistake about it, internal theft is a huge problem in the United States. However, it is difficult to gauge because so much of it goes unreported due to embarrassed or recalcitrant employers. The average estimate ranges widely from $20 to $50 billion per year, with Fortune reporting in the retail sector alone, a whopping $32 billion was lost in 2014, with an amazing 34.5 percent of that being attributed to employee theft. Only shoplifting outpaced it, accounting for 38 percent.

Whether it’s downloading and sharing company confidential information (a hot topic these days), manipulating expense reports, or stealing merchandise- employee theft and fraud is a serious issue for business owners. In fact, studies show that occupational fraud now results in the loss of five percent of an organization’s annual revenue. —U.S. Small Business Administration

While it’s an unpleasant experience to-be-sure, it nonetheless exists, and, in practically every workplace. The level, though, might be very minute, like the employee who occasionally takes a few postage stamps for personal use. When it comes to bigger issues, it’s not unusual for the owner and/or manager to be taken by surprise. After all, you do what you can to screen and interview every new hire, but sometimes, it’s not enough. The primary reason for this is a simple necessity, especially for small business owners who need to delegate responsibilities. They just don’t have the time to do it all on their own, so, they leave certain things to employees. This creates an atmosphere of opportunity where trust can be easily breached. When that happens, here are some ways to deal with employee theft:

  • Evaluate the situation. When you discover the problem, it’s best not to jump to conclusions about the scope. It could just be a case of miscommunication or simply a lack of judgment. If you believe it to be serious and particularly one that’s ongoing, you should commit to take action. If it’s minor, you might consider issuing a written warning, placing him or her on probation, or, repayment.
  • Document everything you can. If you discover supplies, inventory, materials, or money is missing, do everything you can to document what it is, when it happened, and it’s worth. You should gather as much evidence as you can to bring the situation to resolve.
  • Phone your attorney or HR Consultant immediately. Dealing with internal theft is a serious matter and you don’t want to overstep your legal bounds. While you certainly have rights, you cannot afford to act in a rash manner. Call your lawyer and ask about what options are available to you.
  • Call the local police or sheriff’s department. If your legal counsel instructs you to contact the local authorities on their non-emergency line, you should do so right away. While this won’t likely resolve the issue immediately, it will be a step in the right direction.
  • Get in touch with your insurer. Another one of the first phone calls you should make is to your insurer to learn exactly what coverage you have in-place. You might have to file a claim to recover most or a portion of your loss.

Once the initial work is done, consider how you’ll deal with preventing the same problem from occurring in the future. You should also discuss the matter with key team members and think seriously about how to present the issue and your reaction to others in your business. As a Leader, it is important that you don’t allow this to become office gossip, get out in front of it, and demonstrate your commitment to your company and how you reward good work and the consequences for theft.

Want to find out about what a business coach can do for you?

[shareaholic app=”follow_buttons” id=”26833294″]

Like this article?

Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Share on Linkdin
Share on Pinterest

Related Posts

How Comfort Is Slowly Eroding Your Business’s Creativity and Quietly Killing Your Busines

High turnover is a self-evident sign that things aren’t going well for a business, regardless of its size. When people constantly come and go through a proverbial revolving door, it points to several problems. But what most business owners don’t consider to be a subtle warning is the opposite, and that’s a low turnover rate. The truth is, the former is obvious, while the latter silently damages a company from within. That’s right. Although most entrepreneurs think a low turnover rate is great, it can actually be doing extensive harm. Read on to learn why.

Read More »

Your Company’s Mission Statement May be Impressive But It’s Not Necessarily Why Customers Are Buying from You – Here’s What You Should Focus On Instead

Your Company’s Mission Statement May be Impressive But It’s Not Necessarily Why Customers Are Buying from You – Here’s What You Should Focus On Instead There are many moving parts to opening, establishing, and growing a business. The number is so vast, that it’s difficult – if not impossible – to quantify every element. Unfortunately, some factors and circumstances make too many entrepreneurs believe they must buy into certain practices. Some of these are indispensable, but others aren’t necessary in every situation, and the company mission statement is one prime example. Although noble and laudable, a company’s mission statement is not why customers buy from businesses. The Purpose of a Company Mission Statement Let’s remember, that the purpose of a company mission statement is to provide a clear, concise explanation of the organization’s general purpose, objectives, and values. It serves as a declaration of the company’s reason for being, defining its culture, goals, and values. A well-crafted mission statement can inspire and motivate employees, attract potential customers, and convey the company’s commitment to its objectives and values to the public. It is supposed to be memorable, aspirational, and written with multiple audiences in mind, including customers, the general public, and primarily employees. By and large, these goals are usually reached. Still, it isn’t why people buy from companies – even those with rock-solid mission statements. The Three Real Reasons People Buy from Companies (And None are Its Mission Statement) People often choose to buy from a company not because of its mission statement, but because of the personal benefits they perceive they will receive from the product or service. This is because consumers are primarily motivated by their own needs and desires, and are more likely to make purchases that they believe will benefit them in some way. The key reasons why customers buy from a business are generally centered around three main areas: Saving time. If a product or service can save a customer time, whether it’s by making a task easier or more efficient, it’s likely to be well-received. Saving money. If a product or service can save a customer money, either by being cost-effective or by providing long-term savings, it can be a significant selling point. Making money. If a product or service can help a customer make money, such as by increasing their productivity or providing a new income stream, it can be a strong motivator for purchase. This perspective aligns with the view that customers are primarily self-interested. They are more likely to be concerned with the benefits they will receive from a product or service, rather than the broader mission or values of the company providing it. This is why it’s crucial for businesses to communicate the benefits of their products or services to potential customers, and to ensure that these benefits are aligned with their customers’ needs and desires. Ways To Show Your Customers How Your Products and Services Make Their Lives Better Of course, if it is true that people buy because they get something valuable out of it, then how do you show them how your products and services benefit them? Well, businesses can show customers how their products and services make their lives better by focusing on the benefits and outcomes rather than the features or functionalities of the product or service. This can be achieved through several strategies: Personalization. Tailoring the product or service to meet the specific needs of the customer can greatly enhance their experience and show them the value of the product in improving their life. Customer testimonials. Sharing stories of how the product or service has made a positive impact on other customers’ lives can be a powerful way to demonstrate its value. This can help potential customers see the product or service in a real-world context and understand how it could benefit them. Clear communication. Expressly communicating the benefits of the product or service can help customers understand how it can improve their lives. This can be done through product descriptions, marketing materials, and customer support interactions. Value proposition. A strong value proposition that clearly states what the product or service does and how it can improve the customer’s life can be very effective in showing the customer the benefits of the product or service. Demonstration. Showing customers how the product or service works and how it can be used to improve their lives can be very effective. This can be done through product demonstrations, tutorials, or user guides. Customer support. Providing excellent customer support can help customers see the value of the product or service in their lives. By quickly and effectively addressing any issues or concerns, businesses can demonstrate their commitment to customer satisfaction and show customers how the product or service can make their lives easier. Also, continuous improvement. Constantly improving the product or service based on customer feedback can show customers that the business is committed to making their lives better. This can build trust and loyalty, and encourage customers to continue using the product or service. Want to Accomplish More? Do you want your company to grow faster and earn more while you spend more time with your family doing all the things you started your business to do? We can make that dream a reality. Give us 30 minutes and we will show you how to get your life back. Skeptical? Good! Put us to the test. You can call us for your free appointment at (602) 541-1760, or, if you prefer,

Read More »

How Small Business Owners Can Effectively Navigate Government Bureaucracies

For small business owners, dealing with government bureaucracies can often be a daunting task. Navigating complex regulations, paperwork, and procedures can consume valuable time and resources. However, with a strategic approach and the right knowledge, small business owners can effectively navigate government bureaucracies and ensure compliance while minimizing administrative burdens. How Small Business Owners Can Effectively Navigate Government Bureaucracies With this in mind, the following article will provide a detailed guide on how small business owners can tackle government bureaucracies efficiently and effectively so they can spend more time doing what’s most important – growing their organizations. Now, let’s get it to, starting with acquiring a firm grip on the applicable rules. Understand Applicable Regulations The first step in navigating government bureaucracies is to understand the specific regulations that apply to your business. Identify the relevant government agencies and familiarize yourself with their mandates, rules, and procedures. This will help you gain clarity on the requirements and expectations set forth by the government, enabling you to comply with them effectively. Seek Expert Advice Government regulations can be complex, and seeking expert advice is crucial to navigate them successfully. Consider consulting professionals such as attorneys, accountants, or a business coach with extensive experience. They can help you understand the legal framework, interpret regulations, and guide you through the bureaucratic processes. Establish Clear Internal Processes Create internal processes and systems within your business to streamline compliance with government requirements. This includes maintaining accurate records, filing necessary reports, and ensuring timely payment of taxes and fees. By organizing your business operations, you can reduce the risk of non-compliance and simplify interactions with government agencies. Utilize Government Resources Government agencies often provide resources, guidelines, and tools to help small businesses understand and comply with regulations. Visit agency websites, attend seminars or webinars, and explore available publications or guides. Take advantage of these resources to gain insights into the regulatory landscape and the specific requirements for your business. Maintain Open Communication Building relationships and maintaining open lines of communication with government officials can be invaluable. Reach out to the appropriate agency contacts and establish connections. Seek clarification on regulations, request assistance when needed, and proactively address any compliance concerns. Regular communication can foster a cooperative relationship with government representatives, making it easier to navigate bureaucracies. Be Proactive in Compliance Proactive compliance is key to minimizing bureaucratic hurdles. Stay up to date with regulatory changes that may affect your business, and make necessary adjustments promptly. Regularly review your business operations to ensure compliance with current regulations. By taking a proactive approach, you can mitigate potential issues before they escalate and avoid unnecessary bureaucratic entanglements. Utilize Technology and Automation Leverage technology and automation tools to simplify administrative tasks and streamline compliance processes. Invest in accounting software, record-keeping systems, and compliance management tools that align with your business needs. Automation can save time, reduce errors, and provide an efficient way to manage regulatory obligations. Engage in Advocacy Joining industry associations or business networks can amplify your voice and provide collective advocacy on regulatory matters. Collaborate with other small business owners facing similar challenges and work together to advocate for regulatory reforms that promote entrepreneurship and reduce bureaucratic burdens. Participate in public consultations and provide feedback on proposed regulations to influence policymaking. Seek Assistance from Small Business Support Organizations There are numerous organizations that offer support and resources specifically tailored to small business owners. Chambers of Commerce, Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), and other trade associations can provide guidance on navigating government bureaucracies, offer training programs, and connect you with other entrepreneurs who have successfully dealt with similar challenges. While government bureaucracies may appear overwhelming, small business owners can effectively navigate them with the right strategies. By understanding regulations, seeking expert advice, establishing internal processes, utilizing resources, maintaining open communication, being proactive, leveraging technology, engaging in advocacy, and seeking assistance from support organizations, small business owners can overcome bureaucratic hurdles and focus on running their businesses successfully. Remember, navigating government bureaucracies is a continuous process, and staying informed and proactive is essential for long-term success. So, what other advice would you give small business owners who are dealing with government bureaucracies? Please take a few moments to share your experiences or approaches so that others can benefit from your perspective! Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group to learn more about us and the services we offer.

Read More »

Imagine Selling Your Business…

How Would Your Life Change?

You didn’t start your business just to stay busy—you built it to create freedom, security, and options for yourself and your family. Selling your business can be life-changing, but the real question is whether you’re intentionally building toward that outcome or simply leaving it to chance.

Sign up below for a free consultative session to learn what your business could be worth today and in the future! 

Thank you for your interest in learning what your business is worth. We will be in touch shortly.