Misuse of an employer's property

An employer's property is an integral part of the business infrastructure. Any loss, damage, accidental misuse, intentional misuse, or waste of this property constitutes serious misconduct, placing unnecessary strain on the employer to repair or replace it.

- Christoff Pretorius

Employer property includes both physical and intellectual assets.

Physical assets may include workplace premises, buildings, equipment, machinery, fuel, products, stationery, business vehicles, cell phones, Internet access, and working hours. Intellectual property encompasses, but is not limited to, trade secrets, trademarks, patents, and other confidential information.

Disciplinary action

In cases of loss or damage to the employer's property, the employer must act in accordance with applicable labour legislation governing the employer-employee relationship. Disciplinary action may be taken against an employee for such loss or damage. However, an employee may never be dismissed, even for a valid reason, without first undergoing a disciplinary hearing. The employer must give the employee the opportunity to present his or her version of events.