Disappearing office supplies
Question: On and off, stationery items like staplers, calculators and such disappear from our office. Writing our names on them seemed a good idea until someone said that would help only if it was “borrowed” within the office, but was useless if the item was being taken home.
Other than locking the items away every day, is there any effective way to deal with this?
The scary part is, whoever is taking these items could also be picking up other things that are impossible to track (pantry supplies, paper, etc.), so we’re looking for ways other companies have addressed this issue.
Thank you! — Sharmane
Here are a few ideas to handle this.
First, everyone is given a set of supplies. Our facilities coordinator keeps a list of what supplies each employee has been given. If any of those supplies have to be replaced, then we are charged for the item. I personally keep mine locked in my drawer every night.
Second, We have closed circuit cameras. They work.
Third, you could just place staplers etc. in a work room or area. If the items disappear from there, then you are just out. The employee can buy his/her own.
Fourth, Put out an email and ask whomever has items at home from the office to bring them back no questions asked and leave them in the work room.
Maybe that will help.
Good luck.
Posted by: ldunkerley | January 20, 2006 at 05:42 PM
Here are a few ideas to handle this.
First, everyone is given a set of supplies. Our facilities coordinator keeps a list of what supplies each employee has been given. If any of those supplies have to be replaced, then we are charged for the item. I personally keep mine locked in my drawer every night.
Second, We have closed circuit cameras. They work.
Third, you could just place staplers etc. in a work room or area. If the items disappear from there, then you are just out. The employee can buy his/her own.
Fourth, Put out an email and ask whomever has items at home from the office to bring them back no questions asked and leave them in the work room.
Maybe that will help.
Good luck.
Posted by: ldunkerley | January 20, 2006 at 05:43 PM
We have had problems with our ink cartridges disappearing. As you know, this can get quite expensive. So instead of keeping them in the unlocked storage cabinet in the storage room, I keep them in my office. So I can see who is getting them and so forth. It makes it easier for me to order as well – since they will tell me it’s the last one or not.
I remember hearing that a study was done and employees will tend to take things because they are unhappy with the job. It worries me because this type of behavior can escalate. Good luck! The poster before had some good suggestions.
Posted by: Jeannette | January 21, 2006 at 03:31 PM