If you work in retail then you know theft is a big problem. The theft of supplies, merchandise, time and money are just a few of the things managers have to deal with daily. They have to address it on many fronts (i.e., impulse and professional shoplifters, employees and their friends and families, vendors).
Unfortunately, these concerns aren’t going to go away. At this time, no one has a solution for stopping all forms of stealing. You can’t change human nature and some people are just going to be dishonest. That’s the bad news.
However, there’s some good news too. While you can’t completely stop it, there are ways you can prevent or minimize a lot of your loss due to theft. Loss – caused both externally and internally — can be decreased by making a few operational changes.
Here are 3 operational areas where you can make some headway in your on-going struggle against theft. If they seem like they’re “just common sense” you’re right, they are. But, there are a lot of managers and organizations out there who don’t do them — you probably know some.
Put the right person in the right job. We all do some things better than others; everyone has strengths and weaknesses. Putting people in positions they’re not trained to do or aren’t capable of doing affects the way they’re able to perform their job. Sink or swim is a destructive way to manage and it rarely works.
If a person is good with organization think about making them responsible for keeping a tight rein on your high-risk inventory. How about putting the out-going person in charge of greeting, engaging and monitoring customers on the floor?
Everyone is accountable for their job duties. Lack of accountability is one the biggest complaints people have with their jobs. Consequences for poor performance and behavior are some of the most effective deterrents to theft. Honest, responsible, motivated employees want to work in fair and equitable workplaces.
Prioritize effective communication. This is a simple, smart fix. Yet, most companies struggle with it. Billions of dollars have disappeared in a pocket or walked out a door because somebody didn’t: pass on important information, talk over a problem, speak up with a concern, get enough training, get the memo or listen well enough.
There are other operational ways to decrease internal and external theft. But, these 3 are a good place to start. If they are done well and consistently they might be all you need. If not, they’ll give you a good base on which to build further.
Nicole Abbott is a professional writer who’s had over 200 articles published. She’s a business consultant and former psycho-therapist with over 20 years of experience in mental health, business and addiction. She’s a coach, lecturer, trainer and facilitator. She has conducted over 200 workshops, trainings, presentations, seminars and college classes.
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