Employee Theft Prevention Tips
You may not want to think of your employees stealing from you but, in reality, it happens. Employee theft is a major problem for many businesses. Employee theft costs business money each and every year. Therefore, it’s important to take steps to reduce it.
Here are some ways to prevent employee theft at your business.
Have Employees Work in Teams
It’s a good idea to try to schedule at least two employees whenever possible, especially when opening or closing for the day. People are a lot less likely to take supplies or swipe from the cash register when someone else is at work with them. Try to switch up the teams regularly so that friends don’t end up working together often. This will keep everyone honest.
When an employee is voiding a transaction or providing a refund to a customer, this transaction should be watched by a second employee and signed off by a supervisor.
In addition, if you have employees taking cash deposits to the bank in the evening, this task should definitely be done by two people. Not only does operating in this manner prevent employee theft, but it also keeps your employees safe from would-be robbers.
Train Employees
Teach your employees what is acceptable behaviour in the workplace. Some employees, especially those who do not have much work experience, may not be aware that taking supplies home is considered theft. Explain what is and isn’t allowed at work and what the consequences are for employee theft.
It’s also important that you explain your anti-theft policies and how you monitor your property for theft. If your employees know that you are serious about preventing employee theft and that you are actively watching your property, they’ll be a lot less likely to steal from your business.
Use Physical Security for Access Control
Sensitive areas or areas that contain valuables should only be able to be accessed by employees who really need them. To restrict access to these areas, use physical security tools such as security gates. Not only does physical security prevent access to stock rooms, merchandise rooms, etc. but when only certain employees have keys to enter these areas, it becomes very easy to track down who could have stolen something. You just have to look at who was working that day and who has the keys necessary to access a restricted area and that will narrow down the list of suspects.
Physical security gates offer an added advantage in that they can secure a room while still letting you see into the room. This stops employees from hiding inside locked rooms to steal items. When employees know that they can always be seen, they are less likely to commit theft.
Build Relationships with Your Team
People are much less likely to steal from someone they know rather than a “faceless” business. Build relationships with your team. Talk with them, learn about them, and be personal. Create an environment of trust and friendship and that will reduce the likelihood of your employees stealing from your business.
