Is this another case of "do your job, keep your mouth shut"??

Question

One of my responsibilities at work is to gather up the time cards on Friday to get them to payroll. I have noticed that one person has been lying about their time (ie: putting down hours when they weren't even in that day).

Should I say something, or is this another classic case of "don't be the office tattle tale, just do your job"?

What makes it even more difficult is that this person is related to the owner of our company.

Not only that, but our benefits recently got cut due to money, so the company really can't afford to pay someone who didn't even work.

What to do?

Answer 1

If you have a good relationship with your supervisor, you might want to start there.  It really complicates it that the person is related to the owner.  Do you think the owner would approve or let this person slide if he/she found out the employee was stealing time?  If not, you should address the owner and let him/her know that while you don't want to tattle, you understand that there are some financial problems going on and that you think this issue needs to be addressed.

Use your best judgement and deal with people you trust.  Good luck!

Answer 2

This has happened at my place of work too.  You might want to document the discrepancies and then talk to your supervisor.  You are doing your job as the person in charge of time cards, you know who's been there and who hasn't.  Don't start out nitpicking minutes but if this is hours and days then by golly report him.  This is why relatives shouldn't be hired.

Answer 3

This is a  complex issue because, while you don't want to snitch, if it is found that you knew about it, your job may be in jeopardy as well. I say make mention to your supervisor or HR and ask them to keep it confidential that you were the one to report.  They should investigate the issue and take action if it is found that this person is stealing time.