What Is Employee Time Theft?
Employee time theft is when an employee gets full payment for his work while he did not work. Deliberate time theft has serious consequences on labor costs and business performance.
10 ways to prevent employee time theft in the workplace
1. Supervise employees
Any kind of supervision lax means the fraud rates and theft go up. It is not surprising to look over your employee’s shoulder. It is best to check on your business work status so that it does not suspend your business growth.
2. Keep communication lines open between staff
It is best to tell you all the expectations and rules of your employees. It is a way of preventing time theft. Employers should be transparent about the company policies and their expectations from the team. Teach them to punch, request time off, and ensure they understand the consequences.
3. Block access to company devices
The internet is the leading distraction source. In the company, you may limit internet access by using internet restriction software. Even the POS System must offer the user access only to the POS system and specific websites during working hours. Apps blocking downloads unauthorized, prevent employees from malicious content and downloading games.
4. Apply time-tracking software
An effective way of preventing employee time theft is by introducing attendance and time. It helps in maintaining time perfection. The clock-in-out resolves employee attendance issues and captures computer activity automatically and individually using artificial intelligence. The time-tracking software is automated, so errors are fewer.
5. Improves accountability
Lack of individual accountability is a worse situation affecting business growth. To ascertain accountability in employees, monitor goals, set targets, and make employees a part of the team. Tell them if they fail to hit the targets, they are a part of the time theft team.
6. Follow Disciplinary Actions
Show employees, you will not accept time theft, and it is an offense. Your disciplinary actions, such as pay cuts, suspension, and termination warnings are a few rules. It will ensure even the POS System operators work without unnecessary delay.
7. Maintain in place an employee time theft policy
Addressing employees stealing work time or noticing people stealing time during work is possible. Maintain a written policy and explain the time theft in different types. Explain what the consequences are and how you monitor time theft using artificial intelligence.
8. Disappearing during job hours
The outdoor work sites and large offices give employees all the time to stroll. A busy supervisor will never realize it, and it has an impact on operational efficiency. Working remotely comes with different distractions and ends up settling with leisure activities during working hours. Identify the issue, monitor employees, and work to increase productivity. Keep closer tables and do random check-ins through video conference if you are at the workstations to ascertain business growth.
9. Be understanding
Understanding the needs of everyone is crucial for employers for a team to function effectively. Employees aware of taking breaks and relaxing will use company time only to recharge their self-batteries. A break of 5 or 10 minutes is not an offense, but when it continues for weeks, it can result in causing a dent in the company.
10. Signs of Disengagement
Noticing employee character and work habits indicates something is wrong. The signs of disengagement may be affecting work attendance. It may be family-related issues, exhaustion, or burnout. Enquire the employees about employee time theft and support to get a happier workforce.
