As the summer haze continues, so does the exertion and in most organizations the volume escalates in terms of demand. With the record breaking temperatures we are experiencing this year, we will no doubt see a much greater incentive (air conditioned or not) to be away from work. It’s as accurate as any formula; as the temperature raises the motivation to produce for the organization declines, and quite often as an addendum the projects at the homestead amplify, whether it is in the category of a want, or a need.
This formula was put on trial recently in a case we investigated through surveillance involving a man nearing retirement at a manufacturing facility. The individual had complained of the heat and that the workload was becoming too taxing on his almost 60 year old body, as a result the organization carried out the morally correct decision and allowed the individual a lighter load in terms of his required duties. Although the organization offered what would be considered an ethically correct gesture to the man their return was less than equated; in fact the opportunist was quick to analyze their kindness for weakness and continued to push for progressively lighter duties as the weeks went on. It got to the point where the individual just flat out told the HR department that he needed time off and regardless of the lessened duties they offered they were simply not enough to allow his tired body the rest it needed. It was clear that his plan was working and soon he would have his wish of a workless summer.
Our investigations branch was contacted to look further into this matter as they could now articulate a more `drastic’ measure to combat this issue. We were sent some images of this individual in his workplace attempting to complete his duties. At first glance it was clear this individual was either an Oscar worthy actor or he was expeditiously in need of an ambulance.
We decided we would begin surveillance as he departed the facility on is last day of work before his self-inflicted vacation. Like the famous prose “dance as though nobody is watching”; that is exactly what this individual did. As he was walking out of the building dependent on his cane he pulled his greatest Keyser Soze impression as the `necessary’ cane was quickly hoisted over his shoulder and the only weight that laboured his leg was the skip in is step as he demonstrated his victory walk to his SUV. We could now clearly see his true intention; the only thing to do now was gather further evidence of his drastic embellishment. As surveillance continued on his drive home we noticed him stopping at the side of the road; it turns out a shelving unit had caught his eye. He proceeded to lift the unit in the most un-ergonomically correct way possible as he held his keys in his mouth he maneuvered the newly found treasure deep into the back of his Rav 4.
The next day we continued the surveillance to maintain the continuity of this workplace investigation. As the sun rose, so did our evidence; it turns out spring cleaning was on his list of things to. He began to load up his truck with garbage from his garage. As the surveillance continued we followed him to the dump as we witnessed him toss the tires as though he was throwing a discus in the Olympics, and yes with one hand. It was clear that either he had found a fountain of youth in the city dump or the only part of him that was fatigued at work was his integrity.