As an attorney advising business clients on daily employment
matters, I often see trends in issues faced by employers across
many industries. Lately, it seems like more clients are dealing
with employee theft situations – either confirmed or
suspected. Without going into why this trend may be increasing,
some employers seem hesitant on how to deal with these
situations.
This article will discuss three hypotheticals including legal
guidelines to be considered. It will close with a discussion of an
employer's options in theft situations ranging from mild to
severe.
Before starting with the hypotheticals, it is important to note
that this article constitutes general information and is not
state-specific. However, these guidelines can apply in most at will
employment states. Employers should always consult with employment
counsel when dealing with these situations. With that caveat in
mind, here are the hypotheticals:
