Signs of employee theft

By William J. Lynott

Despite using the best internal programs, theft can still occur. It’s important to keep aware of early warning signals of possible employee dishonesty, including:

• Any hint of substance abuse
• An employee with a disgruntled, belligerent attitude, often complaining to others
• Bad temper or unpleasant behavior that tends to discourage or avoid questions
• Inconsistencies in explaining discrepancies or errors in paperwork
• Excessive loitering around the business by off-duty employees, former employees or friends
• Secretive conversations among employees, or phone conversations that stop abruptly when you approach
• Unusually friendly relationships or loyalty between employees and customers
• An employee living a lifestyle that appears to be in excess of what the salary could be expected to support
• An employee who habitually returns to the work area after others have left to retrieve something supposedly left behind

William J. Lynott is a business writer based in Abingdon, Pa.