How To Stop People From Stealing Office Supplies

1. How To Stop People From Stealing Office Supplies Did you know that around 75 % of people admit to stealing office supplies from their workplace? That’s an odd thing considering so many people are being honest about a not –so –honest act of theirs! Some of them are innocent thefts and seemingly inexpensive. For example, things like staplers, paper clips, tapes, etc. are the most commonly pinched items in a workplace. But the sticky finger syndrome can cost around $3.5 billion every year. Here’s how to can to reduce workplace thieving: Keep an eye on the storeroom: Stationery items are often the cookie jar equivalent in an office; albeit one with an open lid. Installing surveillance cameras in your store room helps to prevent office supplies from disappearing. In fact, even a phony camera can prevent office stealing. Psychologically, knowing that someone’s watching over you deters employees. Understand the reason for the theft: People often resume to stealing when they feel underappreciated or are resentful of their boss. In fact, it is often tied to the concerned person’s salary. Researchers have found that people often resort to stealing when they feel that they’re not adequately compensated. Moral of the story is – pay your employees well, or they’ll soon begin to look for opportunities to redress this inequality. Keep a tight check on the purchase: Did you know that there exists a huge black market for printer toners? A stolen toner can be sold for hundreds of dollars on websites like eBay and Craigslist. A supply clerk at the Sloan Kettering Cancer Center stole toners worth $1.5 million dollars! Examine the company’s process for ordering supplies to identify possible loopholes. Look out for employees who frequently request replacements. Assign ordering tasks to specific employees only and distribute them through a single window. Order them from an office stationery supplier you trust. Create a simple policy that deals with office theft: Make a list of the items defined as office supplies, define the term theft, and lay down clear instructions about the consequences of theft. And make sure everyone is aware of these policies. The policy should be unambiguous and definitive. Nothing tempts potential thieves than policy decisions enforced inconsistently. Designate a separate place to store office stationery: Most, large and medium scale businesses have a separate storage area that’s kept under lock and key. If yours is a small office, allocate a locker and restrict access to specific people.

2. Lead by example: Set the tone for ethical behavior by being diligent about company rules and adopt these values in all aspects of your business. Resource Box: The Author manages an online office supplies store in Dubai. He also writes about regular office woes.