YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

PENS OFTEN DISAPPEAR AT BACK-TO-SCHOOL TIME. HAS STEALING OFFICE SUPPLIES EVER PREVENTED SOMEONE FROM BEING HIRED?

LISA MORRIS DIRECTOR, HAYS

Theft can prevent someone from being hired, however it usually takes more than the removal of an odd pen or notepad for a person’s employment to be terminated and for the theft to impact future employment prospects. Having said this, stealing anything from your employer does amount to misconduct. Any action that damages your employer’s trust in you will impact your promotional prospects – and your chance of a good reference for your next job search.

JUSTIN HINORA EXECUTIVE CONSULTANT, HENDER CONSULTING

I’ve not heard of this kind of whitecollar crime preventing someone from being hired. Comprehensive reference checking is a critical and necessary part of due diligence that should expose someone who exploits their access to workplace equipment. Chances are that for a serial offender, this would not just stop at pens. I’ve heard of far more serious cases of people misrepresenting their qualifications or employment history rather than stealing pens.

ANDREW SULLIVAN MANAGING DIRECTOR, SULLIVAN CONSULTING

Any kind of workplace dishonesty is generally taken seriously by employers. During the recruitment process, employers are assessing not only each candidate’s skills, experience and qualifications but also their character. Honesty and integrity are key attributes that employers value highly. So while it may not seem like a big deal to raid the stationery cupboard, it does reflect on your character and that’s something employers do take into consideration.

ALEXANDRA ROSSER HEAD OF ORGANISATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY CONSULTING, STILLWELL MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS

Regardless of whether theft of equipment or money occurs, if this illegal act comes to light, it will also be considered a breach of the trust that underpins the employer-employee relationship. The impact it may then have on later employment will depend on the extent of theft, the employee’s contrition and the consequences that were imposed/accepted.