The Employer’s Legal Advisor

The Thief

Anyone who steals or embezzles anything that you attach value to is a thief and should be fired as soon as the relevant facts can be marshaled. (I am not talking about the individual who takes a disposable pen home from the office.) Of course, you should assemble documentation and give the employee due process for your own protection.

You should take precautionary measures to prevent theft and to give employees a means of protecting themselves if they are allowed to take products or materials home. Separating the intake of money from the outflow of money is a good idea where possible. Issuing passes or permission slips to employees who are authorized to remove material is another positive step. Do not tolerate proven theft.