Hiring family members can make or break a small business. Conflict within a family owned-and-operated business can rival oil wars. Similarly, a family that works together peacefully can reach goals efficiently, communicate effectively and deliver success like a freight train.
Interview Questions
Before agreeing to hire family members, ask yourself, “Can I fire them?” Firing a family member might not be what you’re thinking of when considering bringing them on board, but it’s always wise to have an exit plan. If you can’t picture yourself firing a family member, then hiring them might not be a smart idea.
When hiring a family member, maintain professional hiring practices, including a sufficient interview by yourself, and other key staff members, just as you would with any potential employee. Make sure the family members know that they are being hired for their abilities and talents and not just their name.
Company Policies
If your company has an employee handbook, attendance rules, a dress code, or other conditions of employment, be sure to hold family members to the same standards.
When family employees know that their employment is subject to the same terms and requirements as other employees they might be less likely to expect special favors or treatment.
Nepotism
If you have other employees, you may be accused of nepotism by bringing a family member on board. In many ways, the other employees will expect more from the family on staff than from each other. Showing favoritism to family employees can make an owner or manager lose the respect of their other employees. Retaining a family staff member who doesn’t do their job makes work more difficult for the other members of the team.
Ranking Family Staff
Bringing in a family member to serve in a high-ranking position can stir up resentments from staff members who have been vying for the job. When possible, family staff members should be expected to work through the ranks as much as is necessary to gain or prove the skills and inside knowledge of your company that the more seasoned employees already possess.
Seek Mediation
If you fear you’re heading for rough waters, you might consider getting professional help. Mediators are trained to find solutions that work for both parties. Using the services of a mediator regularly can keep the relationship and the business intact and teach you both communication skills that are valuable in all areas of life.
If it Doesn’t Work Out
Making a firm decision to end the business relationship can be hard. There are graceful ways of releasing or reassigning family members without causing a family feud. Helping with the job hunt, by referring them to fellow business owners or giving a positive reference are ways to dispel the drama.
The emotions of an unrelated employee regarding their termination, might not be of your concern. When you fire a family member you might have to deal with the emotions of the whole family tree. The last thing you want is to hear from your mother that Aunt Sally thought you should have given your brother a second chance. Thanking them profusely for their involvement and blaming yourself a bit can soften the blow, so can a peaceful “where do we go from here” discussion with the family.
If it Does Work Out
You will be in good company. Working with family members is a tradition as old as civilization. There are many successful family owned-and-operated businesses in the world.
Interview Questions
Before agreeing to hire family members, ask yourself, “Can I fire them?” Firing a family member might not be what you’re thinking of when considering bringing them on board, but it’s always wise to have an exit plan. If you can’t picture yourself firing a family member, then hiring them might not be a smart idea.
When hiring a family member, maintain professional hiring practices, including a sufficient interview by yourself, and other key staff members, just as you would with any potential employee. Make sure the family members know that they are being hired for their abilities and talents and not just their name.
Company Policies
If your company has an employee handbook, attendance rules, a dress code, or other conditions of employment, be sure to hold family members to the same standards.
When family employees know that their employment is subject to the same terms and requirements as other employees they might be less likely to expect special favors or treatment.
Nepotism
If you have other employees, you may be accused of nepotism by bringing a family member on board. In many ways, the other employees will expect more from the family on staff than from each other. Showing favoritism to family employees can make an owner or manager lose the respect of their other employees. Retaining a family staff member who doesn’t do their job makes work more difficult for the other members of the team.
Ranking Family Staff
Bringing in a family member to serve in a high-ranking position can stir up resentments from staff members who have been vying for the job. When possible, family staff members should be expected to work through the ranks as much as is necessary to gain or prove the skills and inside knowledge of your company that the more seasoned employees already possess.
Seek Mediation
If you fear you’re heading for rough waters, you might consider getting professional help. Mediators are trained to find solutions that work for both parties. Using the services of a mediator regularly can keep the relationship and the business intact and teach you both communication skills that are valuable in all areas of life.
If it Doesn’t Work Out
Making a firm decision to end the business relationship can be hard. There are graceful ways of releasing or reassigning family members without causing a family feud. Helping with the job hunt, by referring them to fellow business owners or giving a positive reference are ways to dispel the drama.
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The emotions of an unrelated employee regarding their termination, might not be of your concern. When you fire a family member you might have to deal with the emotions of the whole family tree. The last thing you want is to hear from your mother that Aunt Sally thought you should have given your brother a second chance. Thanking them profusely for their involvement and blaming yourself a bit can soften the blow, so can a peaceful “where do we go from here” discussion with the family.
If it Does Work Out
You will be in good company. Working with family members is a tradition as old as civilization. There are many successful family owned-and-operated businesses in the world.