As a company with family connections ourselves, we absolutely get that a family business can be a great business.

However, it is not without its downsides, which we have seen on a number of occasions, when the family member or friend…

  • Thinks the usual rules don’t apply and turns up when they want to – causing resentment with the rest of the team
  • Doesn’t take you seriously – because they see you as a friend/family member, not a business owner
  • Thinks they know more than you because they are “older and wiser”
  • Can’t understand why they shouldn’t earn more money – because of their special relationship with you
  • Does what they want to do – not what you want them to do

But, of course, it doesn’t have to be that way.

So, what could you do to make this successful?

  1. Be sure in your own mind that this is the right decision – do they have the skills you need? Will they be a good fit with the rest of your team? Are they right for your business?
  2. Start before recruiting them – make it clear that business and personal are separate – can they take that?
  3. Give them a clear job description – detailing what you expect
  4. Issue them with a contract of employment – including the hours you are expecting them to work
  5. Ensure you are seen to treat them exactly the same way as everyone else, and the same policies and procedures apply to everyone.
  6. Be prepared to dismiss them if it really doesn’t work out – this is tough, but it does happen. If it is clear it isn’t working you really do have to do exactly the same as you would with another employee – your business could be at stake.

There are a myriad of upsides to recruiting people you know into your company, so it isn’t all doom and gloom. But do make sure you have everything set up and aligned before they start.

If you are having challenges with family in your business, please contact us on 01256 328 428.