I am a civil servant at a Federal University, I teach Literature. My problem is that some of my colleagues are very wicked people. When mail (journals/ books) come in my name, someone intercepts and my senders are always shocked to hear that I have not received them.

Sometimes, they are forced to resend through courier which is expensive. I feel guilty that I am putting my friends through this. What can I do please?

Thank you,

Your subject line for this email was vicious competition at place of work. If your suspicions are confirmed, this is not vicious competition, it is theft by your colleagues.

They are stealing either from you, if you don’t receive the materials, or from your suppliers if they have to resend the material. And causing them to incur courier fees too, and presumably also some disruption to the smooth working of the department while you chase around looking for your mail and re-ordering journals.

You need to be sure of your facts before you take any action.

Are you certain this is happening in your department, and mail isn’t going missing before it gets to the building?

Is anyone else having a similar problem?

Why is it your mail that goes missing?

Why do your colleagues not order their own copies?

Is post booked into the building or signed for?

Does the post room have a way of tracking mail to its intended recipient?

I would talk to the post room manager and see what you can find out there. Maybe you can instruct them that all journals addressed to you are to be signed for by you or a designated and trusted assistant.

And I would let it be known that you have had to take this action, and you and the mail team are watching to see where your mail goes. And if someone is stealing it, appropriate action will be taken.

If all else fails, then have the journals sent to your private address or a mailbox, or PO box.

Good luck