"Don’t Inflate It": SA Man Shares 3 Common Mistakes Employees Make That Could Cost Them Their Jobs

• A man warns employees about common workplace mistakes that could cost them their jobs, highlighting the importance of adhering to company policies
• He identifies three key actions that can lead to dismissal, emphasising the need for honesty and transparency in the workplace
• The expert's advice sparks conversation online, with many agreeing that honesty and respect for workplace policies are essential to maintaining good professional standing

A man has taken to social media to warn employees about common workplace mistakes that could cost them their jobs.

He took to Facebook under the account handle Legal Leaders - South Africa, he outlined three key actions that, if ignored, could easily lead to dismissal. The first mistake, he explained, is using a company vehicle for personal errands.

"Don’t do that, don’t pick up your kids from school if it’s not allowed in the policy and you did not tell anyone," he said in the clip that was posted on 21 August 2025.

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He added that most company cars are fitted with tracking devices, making it easy for employers to detect misuse. According to him, employees should strictly adhere to company transport policies to avoid disciplinary action.

Secondly, the man highlighted the issue of claiming overtime that was not actually worked. "Don’t inflate it," he cautioned, noting that this is a common issue in many workplaces. He advised workers to always submit the correct hours worked, stressing that dishonesty around overtime claims not only damages trust but could also lead to serious consequences if discovered.

The third and final point he raised was about failing to disclose other business interests. He gave the example of employees running a side business without informing their employer.

"That is a conflict of interest," he explained.

Adding that employers expect transparency in such matters to avoid divided loyalties or misuse of company resources.

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The man concluded that these three actions, misusing company property, falsifying overtime claims, and hiding side businesses, can all put an employee at risk of losing their job. His advice has sparked conversation online, with many agreeing that honesty and respect for workplace policies are essential to maintaining good professional standing.

SA weighs in on the possible job dismissal tips

The online community took to the comments section to share their thoughts, saying:

Claire Ci asked:

"What if you have registered a company, but it's not in business. Do you still have to declare it?"

Dwayne Nadia Barnard added:

"Can I dismiss someone that is absent every week for a day or two without a sick note?"

Lelow Thwala wrote:

"What do you do when a clocking machine device is not reporting correct readings, not because you misunderstood how it works?"

Ivano Meyer inquired:

I'm a labour worker, but the manager wants me to do work above my level. What should I do?"

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• A Mzansi lady wowed many when she became a manager at Africa's largest retailer after being unemployed for years.

Source: Briefly News