Do You Work With Liars and Thieves?

Career Advice

Only one out of 10 employees own up to stealing from their employers, according to a survey by CareerBuilder.com; but 38 percent of managers reported they have fired employees for office theft. Somebody is lying!

Office supplies top the list of hot loot. Fifteen percent of manager report catching employees making off with these items. Money ranked second at 14 percent; merchandise placed third at 11 percent.

Other items that thieves find attractive:

• co-workers’ belongings
• computer or phone equipment
• office decor, including paintings and plants
• coffee packets, tea bags and condiments
• toilet paper
• Band-Aids
• confidential files
• faxing or shipping services for personal use

Employers’ reactions varied. Forty-five percent said they would automatically terminate the culprit. Just under 50 percent said “it would depend on the object (stolen) and situation.” Seven percent would not fire the thief.

What’s going on where you work?

Ramon