| By andigold on Monday, June 26, 2000 - 07:44 am: Edit |
I'm hoping for a little help with a problem I've got. I've just found out that 1 of my Demi Chefs was caught by the Sous Chef stealing 6 litres of milk. If I report this to HR or the GM he will be sacked and the police will be called. He's 30, married with a baby and a mortgage, he has worked at the hotel for more than 4 years and is in most respects a good employee. If I handle it within the department it may look as if I'm condoning his behaviour as an apprentice also witnessed his getting caught. If I don't report it I could even get myself into trouble. What do you think?
| By Chefluc (Chefluc) on Monday, June 26, 2000 - 08:35 am: Edit |
For my part I will make sure of the behaviour fisrt.
Then report the case within standard procedures.
Sory it is part of our job and you may give better help to the guy if you do not ignore.
chefluc Hong Kong
| By W.DeBord on Monday, June 26, 2000 - 08:35 am: Edit |
People who commit major crimes also have families, should we have compasion for them and not report rapes and murders? The world would be so dangerous if we didn't enforce laws!
It would have been nice and human of you to handle this with the person individually (maybe it was a small cry for help?) but it doesn't sound like that option is available (too many people know). You'll risk hurting your family (isn't your family important?)and ruining your credibility with your staff for this person?
I think alot of people do steal something small here or there from their employer. 1 liter is understandable... somewhat...but when your taking 6 of something it's not for personal use. I would guess this isn't the first time he has ever stole.
It seems the best you can do is ask the company to go lightly on him if he was a good employee for many years.
| By Cheftim (Cheftim) on Monday, June 26, 2000 - 10:35 am: Edit |
Tell him he can quit quietly immediately, Or you will go through the regular channels and describe the consequences.
| By Panini (Panini) on Monday, June 26, 2000 - 01:59 pm: Edit |
It appears that you may have some compassion for this person. If so, than I agree with Cheftim, meet with him right now and give him the option to resign immediatly.
This may be a wake-up call and give him an opportunity for future employment.
panini
| By Vatel (Vatel) on Monday, June 26, 2000 - 10:44 pm: Edit |
You didn't mention if the other staff members are aware that he got caught. If they are you need to follow the hotel's policy. Otherwise any future employee who gets caught stealing would have a legal argument against the hotel's punishment,.stating that it wasnt followed for the Demi Chef. This is a tough issue but those who steal are a heavy liability to any business.
| By Mikeh (Mikeh) on Tuesday, June 27, 2000 - 12:38 am: Edit |
From my (non-hospitality related) HR experience, the hotel's procedure's should be followed. Think about whether you are really feeling compassion for him and his family, or misplaced guilt about what might happen to him -- a little bit of pop pychology for you. W. DeBord is correct in that it is likely that this is just the first time you caught him.
| By andigold on Tuesday, June 27, 2000 - 07:21 am: Edit |
Thanks for the help everyone but he resigned this morning so it is a moot point now. For the record though I had decided to turn him in, though I did feel compassion for him I felt he dissapointed me and disrespected all his workmates. Thanks again
Andrew