Pilferage is the theft, fraud, or misappropriation of goods or services. This can be of all kinds, ranging from the theft of a laptop to the theft of intellectual property, trade secrets, or any type of tangible goods or services. Pilferage can even include the misuse of company resources or employee time. In the business world, pilferage costs organizations billions every year.
Companies should have measures in place to protect their assets and services from pilferage. This includes policies, procedures, and security systems that can monitor employee activities, prevent unauthorized access, and detect suspicious activity. Employers can also create a culture of trust by offering rewards and recognition to employees that act with integrity and honesty. Finally, employers should enforce rules that explicitly forbid employees from influencing others to misuse or steal company resources.
How to Prevent Pilferage
There are several steps employers can take to prevent pilferage in the workplace:
- Develop a strong company culture that values honesty and integrity;
- Create and enforce policies and procedures that address the misuse of company assets;
- Perform regular audits and background checks;
- Implement physical security systems such as access control, surveillance, etc.;
- Install and monitor transactional tracking systems, such as inventory systems;
- Train employees on the importance of preventing pilferage; and
- Regularly communicate the anti-theft policy to employees.
Conclusion: Protecting Your Assets From Pilferage
Pilferage can have serious financial repercussions for a business, but proactive employers can prevent it from occurring. Employers should take measures to prevent pilferage like creating and enforcing rules and procedures, using physical security mechanisms, and conducting regular audits and background checks. By setting up the proper systems and maintaining a culture of honesty and integrity, businesses can protect their assets from pilferage.