When Looking For Employees

[eaglesheila]

Hello all,
Is it a good idea to employ a relative or a friend??
Some people say they conflict in the long run because such people want to be treated different.
What would you advise???

[RLorenzen]

I always say never do business with friends or family. Especially never employ them or partner with them.

It can get very messy very fast so I advise against it completely.

I recently had another acquaintance that I gave this same advice to. She decided she would do business with her friend anyway. Long story short. The business deal went sour and the friendship no longer exists.

[rogercbryan]

Absolutely not! Do not do it... I speak from experience.. there is absolutely no reason to do this in a small company. You will loose your leverage which is needed in many situations....

The only time this is 'somewhat' acceptable is when the company is large enough that they can be put into a division where you are not their manager. Even then you need to make sure they are as qualified or more qualified then another person you could put in that spot at equal pay.

Just avoid this whole issue and your life will be easier.

[sauer13]

Back in my former life as a home renovator, I hired my brother as a plumbing sub-contractor and it went very well; however, I hired my best friend, and someone who I had supervised previously, as a crew chief, and lets just say we haven't spoken in 3 years.

I suppose it depends on the relationship you have with the individual and the nature of the work. If they are a competent performer in the position you need filled and the position is autonomous/semi-autonomous, then the professional relationship will probably be ok. If the position is something where you will need to micro-manage the individual, it would be advisable to pass on hiring someone you can't afford to be feuding with.

Danny

[pboychuk]

Hmm, it does depend on the relationship you have with that person. For example, my mom has offered to work for me numerous times, Because my success is important to her, I know she will not make a hostile takeover or whatever happens when friends work with family. Best of all, I can trust her. I am worried about hiring people I cannot trust, but I know someday I will not be able to do all the work I need done by myself.

[chrispalko]

I would say avoid hiring friends or family for the most part. Of course there will always be situations where it would be acceptable. Just think of all the people out there though that would be much more qualified for positions.

[ttfing]

I think it depends on your friend/family. My current company is run by my friend that I've known since highschool and myself. Just like any other relationship, you're gonna have your ups and downs. It's mostly about compromise.

[armenh]

It really depends on the situation, many partnerships are started with relatives and their familiarity with each other is a definite plus. But in the case of having a relative or family friend work for you, that is not the best idea. In a partnership it has more pros than cons but I would agree with the previos posters that it is not a good idea to have them work for you. Yes there is some personal experience involved in the response.