Theft from workplace affects bottom line

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This article was published 30/10/2015 (3987 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Dear Miss Lonelyhearts: ​I just read your response to Witness to Employee Theft where you suggested people keep their heads down instead of reporting a co-worker for stealing. I’m a business owner and stand up for my staff. If a staff member feels they can’t or shouldn’t approach me about something that affects their workplace, then they are not taking any ownership or pride in where they work or who they work for. Furthermore, we prosecute all theft in our business, because it matters. If someone is stealing from the company, they are stealing from every individual in that company, because when the profits slump, everyone is affected, wages get affected and people get laid off. ​

May I suggest you consider those individuals may not be “alone” in the matter and may have the support of the entire organization behind them to ensure they not only remain anonymous to avoid any obvious threat, but also that they may be seen as a loyal and trustworthy advocate as an employee within the organization, one that I would be happy to have on my team.​

— Not Impressed With Your Advice, Winnipeg

Dear Not Impressed: You totally skipped over the serious worries of the poor employee who sits beside the creepy guy stealing pens and paper clips. She says she’s the only person who can see him putting them in his coat. She has always found him creepy and is scared of the man already. I suggested she ask to have her desk moved before reporting him, but she may not be allowed to move her desk, so reporting him over small pieces of stationery may simply not be worth it for her feeling of safety. If a group forms to report him, she may still be pegged by him as the initial snitch. I try to give people advice they can actually take, and sometimes it can’t be as lofty as you or I would prefer.

Please send your questions and comments to lovecoach@hotmail.com or Miss Lonelyhearts c/o the Winnipeg Free Press, 1355 Mountain Ave., Winnipeg, MB, R2X 3B6

Miss Lonelyhearts
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