Mistakes Happen
Guidance on how to avoid sticky situations at work
So you’ve got your first ‘real’ job. Congratulations! You’re probably really excited about meeting new colleagues, learning new skills, and of course, getting your first paycheck. But it’s normal to feel a little uncertain too. While that expensive laptop is a pleasure to work with, you’re probably holding it like a new-born baby to make sure you don’t damage it. And what happens if you lose your keys to work? No need to worry: This blog post takes you through a few scenarios so you know what to do if you make a mistake at work.
Who’s liable?
Firstly, it’s important to know that German labour law protects you in many cases. This is thanks to the principle of “limited employee liability”. Put simply, this means you will rarely have to pay the full costs for a simple mistake. Your employer bears at least some of the liability for activities related to your work.
In some situations, liability is judged according to levels of negligence. If, for example, someone snatches your work laptop out of your hands, you will not usually have to pay anything. There was little you could do to prevent this from happening. However, if you simply leave your company laptop unattended on the train without a password, this is considered gross negligence, and you may be liable to pay for the costs. So long as you take reasonable care, you have nothing to worry about.
“Has anyone seen my keys!?”
You should take special care with your work keys. These are not usually covered by personal liability insurance – and if all the locks have to be replaced at your place of work, it can quickly get very expensive. However, Getsafe personal liability insurance does cover you for lock replacement if you lose the key to your rented flat. Even if you live in a larger building and all the locks have to be replaced, you are covered up to €300,000, so you’re on the safe side. There’s no need to purchase an add-on – this benefit is included in the basic module. Please note: Liability insurance only covers lock replacement. It does not cover the costs for copying a key or calling out a locksmith if you just left your keys in your house.
Laptops, phones, and other equipment
Depending on your job, you may take work equipment out of the office with you from time to time. Maybe you take your laptop home to finish a task or bring a work phone with you on a business trip. These items can be an attractive target for thieves. Again, once you’ve retraced your steps to see if you can find your missing item, we recommend that you tell your boss as soon as possible. These devices could contain confidential information about your business or customers.
Our advice
Always take good care of your work equipment. If you’re feeling uncertain, it’s good to talk to your employer and ask about the company policy on laptops and other devices you may need for your work. In general, personal liability insurance is a good idea, because even small mistakes can have long-term financial consequences. But that’s no problem with the right cover.
