Is it ignorance or misuse of privileges?

Let's face it, an employee's use of company assets for personal use occurs in every business private or public.

The question is: At what point does it become an issue that needs to be addressed with possible consequences to the employee?

The answer is simple. When it exceeds the standards established within your organization for this situation, whether you have a written policy or not.

In many cases, the employee may honestly not know the limits of acceptability for usage of company assets. This will be management's failing as those in charge should have a written policy with indoctrination occurring at time of employment as well as conducting periodic updates.

I venture that the majority of employers never address this matter for two reasons; the misuse is minimal and the effect on the operation is low.

Therefore the employer decides to ignore the misusage. Another reason is managers likely have allowed it to get out of hand and they do not know how to stop the action without creating a major disruption in the workplace.

In some cases, the business may be indulgent of the usage and therefore it is not considered a problem unless it becomes excessive and impacts the company's profitability. If your company allows employees the privilege of utilizing assets, be sure you know what the limits are for such usage. I reiterate, it should be written somewhere whether there is an allowance for personal usage of company assets. If it is not written, then each employee can, in essence, write his or her own criteria for what is acceptable and what is not.

Back to my previous point, be sure to have it written down first. Otherwise, curtailing the actions will be met with resistance and resentment on the part of all parties involved.

Regardless of a company's tolerance for misuse, be sure all new employees are made aware of the policy from the inception of employment.

Some employees have a wanton disregard to misusing or abusing company assets to the level it becomes ingrained that they have a right to behave in this manner.

There is a point where misuse becomes intolerable and, in some instances, a cause for legal action. When you become aware of abuse of your policy regarding company assets, be sure to correct the problem without subjecting yourself or the company to any increase in liability.

All must recognize that there will always be some usage of assets for personal use such as the telephone and computer to make and receive personal phone calls or conduct personal business. I think this is diminishing gradually due to the proliferation of personal communication devices.

Work time is the asset for which it is most difficult to detect misuse for personal matters. Unless you constantly stand over an employee, it is impossible to determine the amount of time spent on personal business during a normal workday.

The effect in dollars is always difficult to determine, to say the least. But, no matter the amount or cost, we should all be conscious that there is a cost to the business whenever we make personal usage of assets intended to conduct daily business.

My final warning is to always be cognizant that you, as the owner or manager, are setting the standards in all areas with your daily performance because employees, like children, are always observing your actions and will emulate them, both the good and the bad.

Therefore, be a good manager and set the bar high.