Some employees may need clarification when it comes to a company's code of conduct. Nineteen percent of respondents, according to Spherion's Workplace Snapshot survey that questioned 1,315 employees, say they have taken office  supplies for personal use in the last year.

But 74 percent of respondents feel taking office equipment is wrong. And, 78 percent of employees who have stolen haven't experienced regret. Workers 65 years of age and older felt the most guilt, while respondents ages 40 to 49 experienced the least regret. Overall, variables such as gender, age, income or education didn't display significant differences.

John Heins, senior vice president and chief human resources officer for Spherion, says the less formal work style may present gray areas, causing employees to feel more entitled to take office supplies home. Companies must communicate policies in order to reduce confusion. Define what is appropriate in a flexible working atmosphere.

"Companies need rules regarding the usage of supplies," says Heins. "It is a big expense to lose equipment."

Pens, pencils or rulers are the most commonly stolen office items across all the age groups. Paper, Post-its or file folders come in second, followed by calculators, staplers or tape dispensers, and CDs, DVDs or jump drives. Only 8 percent of respondents admit to taking a laptop, PDA or cell phone. Employees should ask if they are unsure about taking something home. Heins recommends talking to managers if in doubt.

The majority of respondents say they have taken supplies because they need them. Thirty-three percent believe their boss said it was OK, 18 percent say their company won't miss them, 9 percent say because everyone else does and 6 percent think the company owes them.

Managers must create rules regarding office supply and equipment use. With no guidelines, employers will have a harder time implementing disciplinary actions.

For more information, visit www.spherion.com.

INTERVIEW NO-NOS

Job-seekers need to take notes before the interview. OfficeTeam, a staffing service, questioned 150 senior executives on unusual interview  moments:

- "The candidate sent his sister to interview in his place.

- "A job applicant came in for an interview with a cockatoo on his  shoulder."

- "The candidate stopped the interview and asked me if I had a cigarette."

It may be beneficial to prepare before your interview to avoid these incidents:

- "The candidate got his companies confused and repeatedly mentioned the strengths of a competing firm, thinking that's who he was interviewing with."

- "A guy called me by the wrong name during the entire interview."

Be sure to pay attention to body language. Don't follow these examples:

- "An interviewee put his bubble gum in his hand, forgot about it, and then  shook my hand."

- "A candidate fell asleep during the interview."

Dress professionally for a good impression unlike these job seekers:

- "Someone showed up for an interview in pajamas and his hair not combed, like he had just rolled out of bed."

- "The candidate had a big rip in the back of his pants."

For more information, visit www.officeteam.com.

E-mail Amy Winter at [email protected] or write to P.O. Box 120190, San Diego, CA 92112.

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