Reducing risk of employee infidelity

Employees can help a business to be profitable or can hurt it through waste, inattention to customers, or stealing. Businesses must set the example for honesty to their employees and develop clear policies regarding security and theft.

Measures include: (1) Develop and advise all employees of inventory control procedures for all merchandise entering and exitting the premises. (2) Screen employees carefully before hiring them. Check their backgrounds to be sure they have not been fired for behaviour that is dangerous or unacceptable. - Train employees in proper cash handling and security measures. Set policy regarding cash on hand and stick to it. - Research shows that employees steal from business that are impersonal and lack clear policies. The business must show its employees it cares about them and their property. - Provide a clean orderly work environment with secure places for their personal property. A satisfied employee can be the first line of defence against crime in a business.