Can You Trust Your Employees?
In one of last year's articles I asked "Do Your Employees Trust You". The answer was no, and I discussed why not. Today we look at the other side of the coin - Can You Trust Your Employees?
A recent article in the Seattle Times’ Business Newsletter reported that forty percent of the workers surveyed knew of ethical or legal violations at their company. The survey, by Walker Information, reported such violations as lying on reports, conflict of interest, and stealing.
Employee theft was estimated at almost $200 billion in 1993, which contributed to 40 percent of all US business failures.
I believe very strongly that most people are good, decent and trustworthy. I also know that it only takes one individual’s unethical act to create major financial and legal pain for a business. What can you do about it? What should you do about it? How can you protect your honest employees while also protecting your business? Here are some of the available internet resoures:
Insurance Companies have a strong interest in limiting losses. Check with your broker for their advice. Here is some advice from others.
Employee Theft Safeguards for Business
Avoiding Fraud in the Workplace
Protecting Your Business May Be Easier Than You Think
Key Ways to Protect Your Organization Against Employee Theft
Consulting Firms and Online Magazines also provide guidance.
Tips from Experts for Employee Theft
OnLine of Journal of Ethics
Markula Center for Applied Ethics’ Business Ethics Articles
KPMG's Ethics & Integrity Services
There are also a variety of behavioral tests you can administer. These include:
The Stanton Survey
The Step One Survey
And, in the final analysis, you may just have to “Trust Your Gut”
John Reh--
Can employees be trusted? Or do you have to watch out every second? Go to our Conference Room Bulletin Board and post your comments or respond to other's posts.
If you have any questions or comments about this article, or if there is an issue you would like us to address, please email them to me or post them on our Conference Room Bulletin Board to share with the entire group.
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