How Should I Handle My Manager's Embezzlement and Harassment at Work?

I am writing this to all of you to seek advice on what to do in this situation. I work as an HR executive in a printing company and need guidance on how to handle the embezzlement committed by my manager. When we distribute salaries to workers, the manager has been taking the salaries of employees who have already left the job by forging their signatures on the salary sheets. I am seeking suggestions on how to address this issue, especially since my manager is also displaying inappropriate behavior towards me recently. I feel very harassed by him.

Please advise on how to proceed in this challenging situation. Thank you for your help.

Let's define "Embezzling" as unethical behavior that threatens the integrity of the company and causes dissension among employees. What actions can be taken? Should we publicize this upfront or teach a lesson?

Dealing with such issues can be especially challenging when it involves your manager. Do not let the fear of retribution from your manager or colleagues deter you from reporting suspicious behavior. Nowadays, simply stating the facts may not be enough; gathering evidence to support your claims is crucial in exposing immoral acts.

Reporting to management is the most appropriate course of action. If you fear that speaking up may endanger your safety or career, remember that you have the right to disclose unethical behavior without facing any repercussions. It is essential to speak up promptly before the situation escalates, potentially leading to severe consequences for the business and individuals, including the risk of job loss.

Thank you.

I suggest you put forward the details to management only with strong evidence. Does the manager pay salary in cash? You can ask leaving employees to file a complaint in writing if they have not received last month's salary, which will serve your purpose. Additionally, you can suggest to management to pay salaries by cheque or have them directly credited to accounts.

Forgery of signatures and non-payment of salary are crimes. Do not waste too much time and act wisely.

Evaluating Company Professionalism and Whistleblower Policies

How professional is the company you are working for? Do they have a whistleblower policy? If not, how sure are you that you can get a fair hearing from the owners or director? If you can't, then it's better not to try and report it. You may lose your job. If you are leaving anyway due to harassment, then you have nothing to lose by complaining.

Otherwise, if you still want to teach them a lesson or seek justice, you can have someone complain to the labor officer (preferably someone who left and didn't receive their salary). However, considering how corrupt government officials can be, all you may end up doing is providing an additional source of bribe to them. If there is a union or labor-oriented NGO in the area, you can have someone approach them for help.

It is better to get complaints from the employees in writing and attach those complaints to the salary registers for management's review. The complaints should be received by you only. If your manager receives the complaints directly from the employees, there may be a chance that they could be destroyed. Act very wisely. All the best.

Regards,
RK

If your HR manager is engaging in misconduct, you can approach the accounts manager or any other senior manager. However, make sure to have the following documents with you:

1. The resignation copies of any employees/workers you have.
2. The attendance sheet/report you maintain in the office.
3. The salary sheet prepared and maintained.
4. Any other documentary proof you can gather.

Before presenting these to your senior, ensure that you are 100% correct. Be confident that what you are presenting is an authentic report. Do not hesitate to report any misappropriation in the company. Your senior will appreciate your actions and will take action against the wrongdoer. Just because your manager is not treating you properly, do not leave the company. Such individuals exist in every organization. Ensure that your manager leaves the company, not you.

Good deeds and good intentions will be rewarded by God.

All the best,

Regards

I do not think that you should straightaway go and report to the Accounting Manager or Senior Management. There is a big risk—Senior Management may also be involved in this unethical practice. I like the suggestion given by Mr. Radhakrishna KP that you inform those ex-employees that their salary is being distributed in this way and ask them to write to management. Then wait for management's reaction. In case you do not fear losing your job, you could first inform Senior Management, and if they do not take any action, report the matter to the Registrar of Companies and also the Income Tax Department. However, you must have documentary evidence of the fraud being committed. Please take photocopies of relevant documents and preferably get them notarized if you can take them out of the office.

Regards,
Kapil

I do not think the Income Tax or Registrar of Companies will bother with small amounts like this. You will have to approach/inform the labour department.

I am not satisfied with your comment regarding my query. Could you please provide the way to complain against him in the labor court? I really need your help to solve this problem. Only your help.