Strategies That Can Mitigate Theft In The Workplace
There are many people who are wrongly accused of theft. Sometimes, it was just an honest mistake but the person ends up being accused of a crime. Legal representation from a theft lawyer is very important to avoid a criminal record and achieve a fresh start in life.
Dishonest employees have become a major problem among many businesses. According to recent estimates, theft and fraud committed by employees has reduced the profits of US businesses by $50 billion annually. The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners also revealed that non-cash thefts in the workplace have increased by more than 10% from 2002 to 2018.
Aside from financial loss, many honest employees opt to leave the company because it causes them stress to work with unethical peers. However, there are also employees who are tempted to steal because their peers are doing it without being caught. This exacerbates the negative effects on the company’s culture.
Traditionally, managers and human resource professionals mitigate dishonesty in the workplace through workshops that highlight the importance of ethical behavior and the repercussions of violating the company policies. These strategies have to rely on the self control of their employees from seeking financial and material gains that they do not deserve to become effective.
When the strategies adopted by employers do not succeed in eliminating theft in the workplace, the employers are forced to hedge their losses. However, there are other ways to address theft in the workplace. Companies must strengthen the employee’s ability to resist the temptation of stealing instead of simply relying on their self control.
Gratitude dramatically improves the morale choices of employees and ends dishonesty in the workplace. When a culture of gratitude is established in a company, workers from all levels are encouraged to feel and express their satisfaction. Employees are not tempted to steal and their productivity and wellbeing is enhanced.
There are many instances where a professional theft lawyer can present alternative sentencing options that the accused qualifies for with the agreement of the court so that a criminal record can be avoided. There are many consequences to a criminal case aside from a criminal record that you will carry throughout your life.