My employee is stealing my change!

Dear Aunty B,

How do you approach an employee (who is also a friend) that you have caught stealing from a personal money jar, without the situation turning to tears and the ‘I didn’t do it’ speech starts flying?

I am 100% positive it was this particular employee – how do I approach them so that I receive firstly an admission, a reasonable explanation and hopefully an apology – all without the situation turning narky and a friendship lost. I want to give her the benefit of the doubt at the same time.

I would be most grateful for any ideas or tips to ensure this confrontation goes as smoothly as possible.

Kind regards,
Nicole

Dear Nicole,

First mistake is having a friend who is an employee. It is fine to be friendly with staff. But they are a business friend, not a personal friend. Keep it separate.

Secondly, we would all love to have an honest workplace. We don’t. So don’t leave money around.

Thirdly, you don’t know she has done it because you didn’t see her do it. So you can’t accuse her. What you can do is call her in and point out that money has been stolen and how disappointing it is. Tell her that you will be considering putting in surveillance equipment because now you know a thief is operating in your workplace and taking advantage of the good will and trust in the workplace. And then move on, knowing that things have changed.

She admits to the theft? You won’t trust her. She doesn’t admit to the theft? You won’t trust her. Put some professional distance between youself and your employee, keep a close eye out for anything else that goes missing, consider putting in a surveillance camera but make sure you tell your staff you are doing so – and get on with business!

Good luck!
Your Aunty B

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