"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
• Briefly News spoke to labour law attorney Aslam Moolla, who shared more details on ways one could be dismissed at the workplace

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, and 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.

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.

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.

Legal tips on conflict of interest & false overtime claims

While speaking to Briefly News, labour law attorney Aslam Moolla shared from a legal standpoint what constitutes a 'conflict of interest' when an employee has a side business, and the steps they should take to disclose it to their employer.

In South African labour law, the attorney expressed that a conflict of interest occurs when an employee's personal business or financial interests interfere with, or could appear to interfere with, their duties and responsibilities to their employer. This typically includes the following, according to Aslam:

"Running or being involved in a business that competes with the employer. Using company time, resources or confidential information to support the side business. Soliciting clients, staff, or suppliers away from the employer. Performing side business activities during working hours or to the detriment of performance."

He went on to add that employees with side businesses should review their employment contract and company policies, notify their employer in writing, and formally approve or decline the business based on whether it poses a direct or indirect conflict, with the decision recorded for proof. Verbal agreements are discouraged.

"If an employee does not disclose the business and the company finds out, it may lead to disciplinary action or even dismissal for breach of trust, depending on the severity and impact on the employer. The principle of good faith underpins the employment relationship," said Aslam.

The lawyer expressed that falsifying overtime claims is considered misconduct under South African labour law, falling under dishonesty, fraud, or misrepresentation. Employers can legally address this issue by investigating and gathering evidence, charging the employee with misconduct, holding a disciplinary hearing, and applying appropriate sanctions, such as warnings or dismissal in serious cases.

Common circumstances for false overtime claims include claiming hours not worked, manipulating clock-in/out systems, and collusion with supervisors.

"If challenged at the CCMA, the employer must show that the misconduct occurred and that dismissal was a fair and proportional response."

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?"

Watch the video below:

3 More employment-related stories by Briefly News

• A woman on TikTok shared her concerns about the debilitating unemployment crisis in South Africa.
• A South African woman shared her story of moving back into her parents' house at 30 after her small business collapsed.
• A Mzansi lady wowed many when she became a manager at Africa's largest retailer after being unemployed for years.

Source: Briefly News