Our team of experts fields real-life, everyday questions from HR managers and gives practical answers that can be applied by any HR pro in the same situation. Today’s question: We suspect an employee of stealing. What’s the best protocol to follow?
Question
We’re fairly certain one of our employees is stealing from the firm. What steps should we take next?
Answer
First of all, bear in mind that you need to tread carefully, says Edward Harold (eharold@laborlawyers.com) of Fisher & Phillips.
Here are four crucial things you should do in every investigation into staffer theft:
- Assign two people as investigators, including one who doesn’t personally know the accused. This will help avoid claims that the investigators were biased.
- Follow investigation protocol to the letter. Deviating from written procedure for investigations could make you vulnerable to charges of bias.
- Allow the accused to tell his or her story. That shows you’re being fair and balanced.
- Safeguard the evidence. If you can’t produce it, it didn’t exist.