Workplace Theft

1
Workplace Theft

• What Supervisors Need to Know

2
Session Objectives

• You will be able to
• Recognize the scope of the workplace theft
  problem and your role in preventing theft
• Properly communicate and enforce our antitheft
  policy
• Take effective steps to prevent workplace theft
• Act within the limits of the law and our policy
  when theft is detected

3
Workplace Theft Is A Serious Problem

• Theft is a common security problem
• Small losses add up quickly
• Major thefts can cost major money
• Theft of employees property is also an issue
• Outsiders might be involved in workplace theft
• You play a key role in preventing workplace theft

4
Why Employees Steal

• Its a fringe benefit

Nobody cares they expect it
I deserve it
Its so easy
Everybody does it it isnt really stealing
The organization can afford it
5
Warning Signs Employees Might Be Stealing

• Missing inventory
• Discrepancies in financial records
• Unusual documentation or computer activity
• Employee vehicles near loading areas
• Unlocked doors and windows
• Unusual behavior

6
Antitheft Policy

• Emphasize antitheft policy in new employee
  orientation
• Review the policy regularly with all workers
• State your intention to enforce the policy
• Stress the consequences for employees who steal

7
Creating an Environment That Discourages Theft

• Educate employees about the cost of theft and
  pilferage
• Be a role model
• Establish a personnel policy of zero tolerance

8
Creating an Environment That Discourages Theft
(cont.)

• Report all thefts or suspicious behavior
• Encourage employees to report thefts

9
Hiring Considerations

• Discuss the issue in new employee orientation
• Check references
• Ask for background checks

10
Workplace Theft Q A
Q.

• In addition to stealing from the organization,
  who else might employees steal from?
• Co-workers
• How can you help prevent workplace theft?
• Educate workers about theft, tell them about our
  policy, and be a role model

A.
Q.
A.
11
Workplace Theft Q A (cont.)
Q.

• What should you do first if you suspect
  workplace theft?
• Report it.
• Who should background checks be performed on?
• Employees who have easy access to assets,
  proprietary information, or expensive materials.
  Be careful not to single out any employee.

A.
Q.
A.
12
Workplace Theft Background Information

• Do you understand the information presented in
  the previous slides?

13
Financial Controls

• Divide responsibilities
• Require two signatures for checks
• Conduct regular audits
• Keep alert for unusual behavior
• Watch for unusual computer activity

14
Material Controls

• Use security systems
• Limit access to vulnerable areas
• Keep a close eye on inventory counts
• Have goods logged in when delivered
• Check orders and paperwork against goods when
  shipping
• Change locks and codes

15
Visitor Controls

• Control entry
• Require sign in and sign out
• Escort visitors within the premises

16
Employee Searches

• Dont take action without authorization
• Make sure searches are nondiscriminatory
• Use the least intrusive search methods possible

17
Employee Searches (cont.)

• Always have reasonable grounds for conducting
  searches
• Raise the issue with new employees
• Dont push too hard

• Always have reasonable grounds for conducting
  searches
• Raise the issue with new employees
• Dont push too hard

18
Proprietary Information

• Limit access to sensitive information
• Supervise employees closely
• Change passwords and other security codes
  frequently
• Consider having employees sign confidentiality or
  nondisclosure statements
• Be sure employees return all business records at
  termination

19
Investigations

• Internal investigations
• Police investigations
• Legal advice
• Confidentiality

20
Questioning Employees During Investigations

• Dont act without proper authorization
• Request employees consent
• Dont detain reluctant employees
• Make sure employees understand they can leave
• Conduct the questioning in a confidential manner

• Dont act without proper authorization
• Request employees consent
• Dont detain reluctant employees
• Make sure employees understand they can leave
• Conduct the questioning in a confidential manner

21
Questioning Employees During Investigations
(cont.)

• Limit the questioning
• Have a witness present
• Be careful what you say
• Dont play detective

22
Polygraph Tests

• Use of lie detector tests is strictly limited by
  federal law
• What you can do
• What you cant do

23
Polygraph Tests (cont.)

• Employees must be given a written statement that
• Describes the incident
• Is legally signed
• Describes the employers loss
• Indicates the employee had access
• Describes the employers suspicion

24
Disciplinary Action

• Termination
• Criminal charges
• Restitution

25
Disciplinary Action (cont.)

• Follow your organizations policies
• Be sure discipline is fair and consistent

26
Preventing Workplace Theft True or False?

• Visitors should always be escorted
• If you suspect an employee is stealing, frisk
  him
• You can force workers to answer questions about
  workplace theft
• Termination is always the best response to
  workplace theft

27
Preventing Workplace Theft

• Do you understand the information presented in
  the previous slides?

28
Key Points to Remember

• Workplace theft is a serious, costly problem you
  cant afford to ignore
• Make sure all employees understand our antitheft
  policy
• Create an environment that discourages theft
• Keep alert and promptly report any theft or
  suspicious activity