Today, Snow White’s Seven Dwarfs might sing “I owe, I owe, so off to work I go!” For many of us, work is simply something that we must do, in order to pay the bills. But some employees, due to their personal circumstances, feel that they are justified in participating in employee theft. Unfortunately, it is sometimes next to impossible to watch all employees all of the time. However, security cameras provide a convenient, objective way to monitor workers in a company. That frees up more time for managers to focus on managing.
From main street to Wall Street
Employee theft is a serious problem that affects every type of business, from local Mom and Pop grocery stores, to huge multi billion dollar corporations; and from service companies to high tech businesses. In fact, it has been estimated that roughly 95 of all businesses are victims of some sort of employee theft! The stealing can include an array of different items, including cash, inventory, data, and clients. What makes the situation worse is that managers are rarely aware of how much is being stolen, or even that theft is occurring in their companies.
How bad is the situation? Various studies have discovered some startling figures. It is estimated that workers steal more than a billion dollars worth of goods and services, from their businesses. Also, employee theft results in roughly a third of all bankruptcies of businesses. Furthermore, about $20 in sales is needed to compensate for every $1 that is lost, due to theft!
Acknowledging the problem
Oftentimes it is difficult for managers to accept the fact that their own employees are stealing from the company. Sometimes, some wrong assumptions are made, such as that employees who are paid well will not engage in employee theft; customers do the majority of the stealing from companies; and honest employees will always report employee theft, to their supervisors.
Preventing employee theft before it happens
Another misconception about employee theft is that it can always be detected early. Although that is untrue, installing surveillance cameras throughout the workplace can help to prevent employee (and customer) thefts.
Before installing the cameras, it is advisable to close off most exits in the building. Quite simply, the fewer places where people can enter and exit the building, the easier it is to secure those areas.
Install the surveillance cameras at each functional exit. Deterring employees from committing the crime of theft is the best way to reduce the number of thefts. Studies have shown that simply placing more police officers on the “streets,” can significantly reduce the crime rate in a certain area. Likewise, employees will be less likely to engage in employee theft, if they believe entering and exiting their workplace, is being monitored.
The quality and features of these cameras continue to increase, making them more effective in spotting thieves from within and without the company.
Whether it involves the stealing of cars or toy cars, employee theft remains a problem in the workplace. Fortunately, the use of state of the art technology, including security cameras, can help to minimize theft and maximize profits. |