Debts must be settled first

Today's Manager, Dec-Jan, 2008 by Tan Siew Hoon

Besides his bad habits, Christopher could have been a good worker. Since he was an employee of the company, the company has an obligation to help Christopher to pay his debts. Instead of immediate dismissal, which would mean all his colleagues' loans would be unrecoverable, he should be given a warning. The management could then give Christopher an advance to settle all the money he owed to the staff and deduct this advance from his monthly pay.

The supervisor should have been reprimanded since he was aware of Christopher's borrowings for some time and did not do anything until his favourite employee was affected. He should have counseled Christopher and try to help him settle his debts by either loaning him the amount personally, seeking an advance from the company, or working out instalment payments.

The one-day seminar on the effects of debts and leading a honest life may not be so effective. Instead the human resource department should incorporate in the staff handbook some rules regarding debts, alcohol consumption, and gambling, and the penalties if staff flout such rules.--Contributed by Tan Siew Hoon, Sigma Marketing (Singapore) Pte Ltd