Theft is a growing problem in the workplace and often, the theft comes from the inside. As easy as it is to shoplift at a given place, it is even easier for an employee to steal. Given this, eliminating employee theft in the workplace becomes vital to any business that is trying to turn a profit.

The first step to eliminating employee theft is to make it clear that you are aware of the possibility. Make sure that you have eyes on every person in the workplace through the use of cameras and constant surveillance. If you can not afford a good camera system, then it becomes vital to be a presence that is always around and aware. A manager that sits at his or her desk all day is not likely to know what is going on throughout the day.

Another very effective way to eliminate employee theft is to screen every single person that comes to work for you. Make sure to do a background check, and follow up on references. Thieves often leave a trail, and you can head off future theft problems by simply screening your employees properly.

Each and every employee that comes through your doors to work should be informed that eliminating theft is high on your list of priorities. Do not be threatening, but make sure they are aware that there is a zero tolerance policy on this infraction. Then enforce that zero tolerance.

Be the example for your business when it comes to employee theft. If you occasionally take home that office supply, or grab that occasional free soda, you are sending the message to your workers that this behavior is okay. Make sure that you stick to the rules as well.

If you work in an environment of high priced items, use good inventory control measures. Lock up all expensive products, and require a daily or weekly inventory check. Control the keys that are available and always leave one person in control of the lock. This creates accountability, and will help foster an atmosphere of policing one another.

Eliminate any private areas in the workplace. Other than the bathroom, there should be no areas in the workplace that allows complete privacy. All areas should be in plain view of others. This will help to avoid employee theft by eliminating hiding places. Keep all doors open, and everyone in view.

If you stick to these general employee theft prevention standards, you will see a large drop off in employee theft. Theft among employees is usually a situation that is created by opportunity. If you eliminate those opportunities, then the employee theft will diminish in turn.

In the troubled economy that we are now facing, getting a raise may seem like an insurmountable task. Getting a raise within sixty days seems impossible for sure. Believe it or not, most anyone that is willing to work for it can increase their pay rate in this short period of time. This applies to new or old employees, regardless of current status.

The first step to getting a raise in sixty days is to set up a meeting right away with your supervisor. This meeting needs to be private and at a time when you will have no distractions. Ask your supervisor to set an appointment with you during non-business hours so that you can talk without interruption.

Prior to your meeting, sit down and consider where you are with the company. Ask yourself your strengths and weaknesses, and write them down. Be honest with yourself, as your supervisor surely will be. Make sure that you take note of any special accomplishments, and reasons that you feel that you may qualify for a raise in pay. More importantly, write down new skills that you want to learn to help you qualify for that new pay rate.

This is where people usually make their mistakes. They concentrate on why they deserve a raise now, rather than what they can accomplish to earn a raise in the near future. This is the ace in the hole to someone trying to get a raise. Find that skill that you need to master to make yourself invaluable to your company.

When you sit down to have your meeting with your supervisor, thank him or her for their time. Let them know that you realize that to earn more money, you have to provide more value to the company. At this point, you will want to list the things that you feel you are good at. Ask their opinion to get an idea of where they see you in the company.

After listening to their response, inform them that you are on a mission to make yourself more valuable over the next sixty days. Give them your plan of action. In other words, tell them the things that you know you are weak in, and how you plan to fix them. Also, ask for training in two or three new skills that you can master to increase your value to the company.

Any supervisor worth their salt will help you in this endeavor. Ask for their help, and compliment their participation and expertise. Let them know that you want to learn, and make yourself a better employee over the next sixty days.

Once you get the buy in from your employer, then ask them if they would be willing to reconsider your pay rate if they reach all of these goals. Tell them that you want sixty days to try to master all of these skills, and then to meet with them again for a review and pay rate consideration.

Getting a pay raise in sixty days is not magic, however. You now have to put in the work and master those skills as promised. The beauty of this particular strategy is that you are giving yourself the chance to grow. You can also do it over and over again.

In the event that your supervisor will not do this for you, maybe you should consider looking at other companies. If a supervisor or company is not willing to help you help yourself, then they are not worthy of your unique talents and efforts. Move on to a company that can provide you with the chance to grow and earn.