How to Prevent Employee Time Theft

Buddy punching, long lunches, extended breaks, excessive personal time - unfortunately, these time theft problems can plague a company. According to Forbes, the average employee steals about 4.5 hours per week from their employer, totaling nearly 6 full work weeks per year. How can your business help prevent time theft?

Preventing Time Theft

1. Set expectations from the start: From their first day on, you'll want to set clear expectations with all of your employees not only about the rules of the workplace but also what breaks they're allowed to take and how long these breaks should be. For example, a retail worker might not realize they're not allowed to take their phones on the sales floor.
2. Follow disciplinary procedures: If it's a first offense or an emergency situation, it's understandable that you would want to either simply have a brief conversation with your employee or let it go all together. But for employees that practice time theft behavior on a consistent basis, you'll want to make sure that you follow through on disciplining them. Not only will this set an example for other employees, but if you set expectations early on it shouldn't come as a surprise.
3. Lead by example: Employees will naturally follow the behavior set by their management team. If they see you clocking in late, constantly browsing the internet, or taking personal calls, they're going to assume that it's okay for them to do it as well.
4. Implement a time-tracking software: This system can help give you the flexibility and options you need to fit whatever industry your business is in. Whether your employees are all currently working remotely or are in the office, you'll be able to see where their time is going, how they're spending their work day, and put measures in place to fight common time theft practices.

Have additional questions about setting up your time-tracking software? Let a member of our team help by reaching out today!