Ethics and Property

Every year, billions of Rands in merchandise and equipment are stolen by employees. Billions more are wasted or vandalised. Sometimes employees justify their thefts as "fringe benefits" to make up for a slim pay cheque. Many have a "double standard", treating company property differently than their own personal property. However, any theft or abuse of property is an expense to the employer. It reduces profits as well as the money available to pay employees. All too often, the attitude that the company can afford a wrench here or a pen there translates into lower wages and lost jobs. Hence, employees should respect the property and resources of the employer.

Do Not Steal: Some workers steal property from the workplace. They may take tools, office supplies, or merchandise without paying for them. Theft is not justified because others do it, because the employer regularly replaces items, or because the items have minimal cost. It is stealing, plain and simple.

Do Not Abuse Property: Sometimes workers mistreat equipment and machinery. They manhandle the machines or operate them when something is clearly malfunctioning. They may neglect maintenance or run equipment too long, too hard, or too fast.

Do Not Keep Borrowed Property: Workers may borrow things from work or from each other, then inadvertently forget to return them. When called down, they will usually plead forgetfulness. However, the underlying suspicion is that they would never have returned it.

Do Not Waste Resources: Because they are not paying the utility bills, some workers will turn the heat up in the winter and the air conditioning down in the summer. They may forget to turn out lights at night or adjust temperatures. Employees may also be overly generous in the goods or services they provide to customers. They may give their friends and families discounts and free goods.

Do Not Do Personal Business At Work: Some workers may use the copiers, faxes, computers, printers, tools, equipment and telephones to do personal business. Some workplaces may tolerate this behaviour, but most do not. You should never be tempted to use your employer's equipment for personal projects without first getting permission from an authority figure. If you find that your telephone calls are monitored, or access codes are required for computers, it is probably the result of misuse by you or other workers.