The
ugly truth about problem employees. How to fire for embezzlement.
Many entrepreneurs are not aware that embezzlement exists in their
businesses. However embezzlement is common in most workplaces and
you should accept that your office is probably no exception. Instead
of having parasites eat into your business, you should take steps
to save your firm.
Reasons for embezzlement
Studies show that embezzlers are usually long-term employees who
do not begin with their crime until they have been with a company
for several years. Typically, employers do not suspect these workers
of this behavior. What causes this sudden need to steal from the
company? Sometimes it is the financial crisis of a person that makes
him steal. But often, it is a combination of employee discontentment
with the opportunity to steal that causes the crime. The embezzlers
feel there is a wide gap between their interests and the interests
of their employers.
Preventive and corrective measures
Since theft is common in most companies, business owners must know
how to handle this problem. First, try taking corrective measures
to check the theft occurring in your workplace. However, when these
fail, realize you may have to fire the employee involved.
The first step to avoid this situation is careful recruitment procedures.
Not only should you should hire the right person after a thorough
interview, but make sure you check the applicant's background. In
the hiring process, stress the morality and nature of the candidate
as well as their skills.
As already mentioned, employee dissatisfaction often leads to embezzlement.
It is therefore important for the employer to boost the morale of
the employee. It is easier to keep track of your employees in a small
business. Whenever you notice the first signs of a looming problem
make sure you solve it immediately. Also, the management should always
set a standard for good ethics through their own professionalism
and moral behavior.
You may have a tricky time dealing with employees who handle financial
data. Your company should have a system in place to confirm the accuracy
of the company's accounts. This may include having an independent
third-party come in and regularly review all finances. This reduces
the chances of embezzlement. If you are the owner, you should also
sign all checks, examine your bank account on your own and verify
your bank statements. Finally you should avoid giving the entire
financial responsibility to one individual. Dividing various tasks
among several employees will give them less control over the company
finance and prevent embezzlement.
Last but not the least, there is no substitute for alertness. Be
observant about incidents in the workplace and be on guard for anything
that looks like embezzlement. These are ways and methods to save
your business and keep your employees from going astray. You must
remember embezzlement is a serious offense and firing that individual
is usually the only move you can make.
How to navigate the 40+ employment protection laws when terminating an employee
|