My boss has been borrowing money from new employees

Q. Dear Fred

I write to seek your advice on how to approach an issue I am uncomfortable with at my place of work.

Three new employees  approached me separately to complain that my boss has ignored requests to pay back loans he borrowed from them soon after they joined the organisation.

They would like me to advise them on how to go about getting their money back. I think this is a malpractice and wonder, should I raise the matter? Will I not place my job or that of my three colleagues in danger? 

While instances of colleagues borrowing money from each other in organisations exist, the situation you describe is different as the lenders most likely offered the loans under duress, fearing that not doing so may jeopardise their new jobs.

Yes, this behaviour represents malpractice since your boss appears to exploit the vulnerability of your colleagues in disregarding requests to pay back their money. Ordinarily, a supervisor who has no qualms about borrowing money from those who report to him taints their propriety and professionalism, even when such loans are settled as expected. Besides causing you discomfort, the situation undermines your colleagues’ sense of engagement, predisposes them to condone or practice such behaviour and degrades their confidence in the organisation and its leadership.

It is unlikely that your three colleagues have conspired against your boss. If a whistle-blowing policy exists in your organisation, this would seem an opportune instance to use it. Alternatively, you could consider speaking to a manager whom you respect for demonstrating integrity, your next level boss or indeed the CEO, in confidence.

Incidentally, no form of reporting will eliminate the possibility that your boss will realise that your colleagues have reported the matter. If the leadership is serious about integrity, you need not be too apprehensive about whistleblowing as disciplinary action would be taken and necessary protection provided to you and your colleagues.

But even if impunity is rife in the organisation, the option of remaining mum and living out of tune with your values hardly provides a conducive environment for engagement or job satisfaction. Having mustered some courage, you will see that the choice is therefore not whether, but rather how and when you should report the matter.