I’ve been asked what to do if a coworker steals supplies. Do you pretend you don’t see it? Do you report them? Or maybe you should just join in since you’re sure not getting paid enough.
Stealing is an interesting word when it comes to accepted behavior in an office. If I take home a pen, is that stealing or just pretty much expected and accounted for when ordering office supplies. I mean everyone does it, right?
Is it really stealing?
According to the cost reduction consulting firm, Schooley Mitchell:
- 100% of office workers have stolen a pen at work.
- 75% of employees admit to stealing office supplies in the past year.
- 24% of employees steal just because they can.
- 2% of employees steal larger items, such as chairs and IT equipment.
Wondering about the 100%? If you’ve honestly never taken anything home from the office that you didn’t buy, just know that statistically a handful of “never stole anything” still rounds up to 100%. And I’m guessing that a handful of office workers are about all that can say that.
But many of the people who did take things home don’t really think of it as stealing. And they have all kinds of reasons they tell themselves to makes it ok to take things home. Some don’t even think twice about it. And would get their hackles up if you accused them of anything.
- “It’s expected and factored into the budget.”
- “I work at home sometimes so it’s ok.”
- “They don’t pay me enough and so they owe me this.”
- “No one will notice.”
- “Everyone does it.”
- “I don’t have time to shop for such things; I work so much.”
- “My kids needs school supplies and prices are so high. The company can afford it.”
Why coworkers steal
As discussed above, many office workers don’t consider it stealing. So that helps ease any feelings of guilt. Or feelings of even being in the wrong. And after a while, it’s just one of the perks of the job. At least in their minds.
Most of the companies I’ve worked for have a closet or small room where they store supplies. And when you’re in there getting real work supplies, how tempting to just take a little extra for yourself. Like a supply candy store! I’ve taken a pen or two over the many years. Haven’t you?
Whether it’s to give them what they feel they deserve or simply what they feel is perfectly okay, workers do take supplies. And some of them may even get a bit of a charge out of doing it. And out of getting away with it — like stealing a candy bar from a drugstore when young.
No … I never stole a candy bar. Though occasionally I haven’t told a person at a cash register when they gave me a better price. Can’t even explain why rationally since usually I am one to tell. Many years of life experience have taught me that human nature is not linear. Nor actions always easy to explain.
Should you report them?
If a coworker steals, should you let anyone know? Should you confront them? And exactly how much theft is the breaking point. Do you run to your boss to report them stealing a few pens or a pad of paper? What about reams of copy paper. More than once. Or something even more expensive.
This is a tricky question. For a company with no security on supplies, this probably happens more than anyone knows. But is it your job to “rat” on the person? Or stop them yourself? Not only might you be the target of their vengeance, but are you sure you’re not misinterpreting what you see happening? Might the boss already know and be turning a blind eye?
Some of how you respond depends on what you know of the office culture. Would reporting someone actually make you look bad somehow … like someone not to be trusted? Is the person well-liked to the extent that you might not be believed? Or is this a straight-up place that expects staff to follow the rules. If there are rules about office supplies.
Alternative idea if coworker steals
Let’s be clear. Nothing I said is meant to tell you to turn a blind eye to thievery. assuming it isn’t acceptable within the official office culture. I’m not condoning flagrant, repeated stealing.
It’s a credit to you that you’re not just joining in a theft free-for-all. And if it’s really that bad (laptop, printer, ergonomic chair), then a talk with your boss might be exactly what’s needed.
But another approach might be to address the situation promptly and without singling out any one individual. You might instead ask to meet with your boss and bring up the topic of supplies as a cost-saving idea.
Tell them you’ve seen that some items have been disappearing quickly lately, even when freshly restocked. So maybe suggest instituting some controls such as any or all of these:
- Locked supply room.
- One person with the key.
- Inventory sign-out sheet.
- Monitoring how often things get re-ordered.
- Reviewing usage regularly to keep an eye on things.
- Memo to staff with clear rules and expectations.
Then again…
Make sure that you’re coming from a place of wanting to help the company and not simply “getting” a coworker you don’t like. Are they really out of line? Or is it just a pen or two after all. Company culture can be very confusing. And sometimes treading lightly until you know all the facts, is the best way.
But if it’s real theft beyond a few inexpensive supplies, you may be saving the company more than money. You could be helping to identify someone who down the road would do more harm than good. Still, be very sure.
⇒ EXTRA: Maybe It’s Really OK To Take Home Office Supplies?
More posts about coworkers
Coworkers Don’t Like Me. What Can I Do?
Work Friend Is Asking For Money. What Do I Say?
Overly Friendly Coworker Wants To Be Friends!
Coworker Betrayed Me. Now It’s Hard To Trust.
Coworker Plays Music Too Loud
Messy Coworkers: Is Your Coworker a Slob?
Playing the Blame Game at Work
Pros & Cons of Kissing Up To Your Boss
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