\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. "I like the idea to use transparent or clear trash bags so the potential thief cannot hide stuff inside trash bags. Use random register audits/inspections. Posted by: Karen | September 17, 2007 at 02:27 PM. This includes talking to the accused and witnesses and gathering evidence. This article has been viewed 327,618 times. And you think it was a one-time thing. This will only escalate the situation. Here are the steps to handle the situation professionally: The first step is to remain calm. How would you deal with a co worker who wasn't doing their share of the work? This could include buying new clothes or jewelry. Because, someone who thinks it's OK to steal from you, probably thinks it's OK to steal from everyone else. Be More Assertive. If you witness the act, jot down a description of the thief. And if employees find out that another employee has stolen from the company, they may also lose trust in the company. Thus, employee theft can create a, All rights reserved by The Balance Work, Start-Up Boom In Pandemic Detailed Stats, All Stats Related To Cut In Greenhouse Gas Emission Due To WFH, USA No. If the employees work habits change, it could signify that theyre stealing. Stealing ideas stifles creativity and team spirit. Employees may hide merchandise in the trash, then stash it in a safe spot when they take the garbage out. Refrain from talking to your boss about the stealing unless you're completely sure about it. This is especially true if the person has been an upstanding employee in the past. Bring HR and/or a legal department rep if you have these departments at your company. The managers did a test to see if she was stealing tips off of other people's tables during the lunch shift, which is probably why they waited to fire her. Offer Some Guidance. Dont confront the person accused of stealing in anger. This will depend on your companys policies and the severity of the offense. If you choose to respond, try saying: "Thank you for your opinion.". In others it is really annoying, especially if they do not acknowledge us. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. In the process youll hone important skills like communication, negotiation and self-promotion thatll make you a better leader and set you up for success if this challenge arises again. In the way that grocery stores pass the cost for customers nibbling grapes without buying them to all . Its essential to get all the facts before taking action. If you have concrete evidence that someone is stealing, document everything. I keep dates/times and the ideal(s) of everything that I come up with. Play it up like youre checking a mistake. If theyve a sudden change in financial situation, it could signify theyre stealing. I help sensitive high-achievers thrive in the workplace. As difficult as it can be to not take this personally, remember to be professional. Its essential to consult with yourcompanys policiesbefore taking action. Be sure to ask everyone for their side of the story. You dont want the thief to know youre on to them and steal your proof. But have proof that someone stole, and document where and when you found the evidence. Frequent change making between the tip jar and the register. Theft isn't a petty topic, why is why it's your job to consider your overall impression when you give tough news or information to your boss. Once youve calmed down, you can takeappropriate action. Sue has agreed to take on the task of contacting design artists. Create a plan for getting buy-in for the initiative across the company. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Clearly state the role you will take to . Instantly access free expert advice, management strategies and real-life examples of workplace I do not share, unless I truly know the other person can add or improve upon what I have come up with then I always use a lets work together so we can share the credit attitude, which does work even if I take a secondary seat once it is out there sometimes. Should I keep my ideas to myself and only share them with upper management or in a group setting where Ill receive the credit? Lisa. My coworker tells me everything's fine, go home. Like it or not, having someone steal credit is a common occurrence. Create a plan for getting buy-in for the initiative across the company. It could be because theyre trying to spend more time away from the office. So its essential to take action as soon as possible tominimizethe financial damage. Don't Let Your Feelings Fester. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. If so, then you should report the guy. Telling a story when youre not asked will only complicate your answer and lead to more questions, and not necessarily good ones. When you make thereport, be sure to give all the details. If he/she truly believes they own the idea, tell them that you have proof its yours and if it happens again, youre going to upper management and personnel. They may also try to avoid eye contact or keep to themselves. In what reality is it not? An employee's hands passing bills from a register into their pockets. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
\n<\/p>

\n<\/p><\/div>"}, {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/74\/Catch-Someone-Stealing-at-Work-Step-6-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Catch-Someone-Stealing-at-Work-Step-6-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/74\/Catch-Someone-Stealing-at-Work-Step-6-Version-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Catch-Someone-Stealing-at-Work-Step-6-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"