Employing family members
It can be challenging but it can also be incredibly rewarding.
The trick with employing family members is understanding that they have the same rights as any employee in your business and making sure that you start as you mean to go on. You need to inject an element of a professional working relationship right from day one and that means, getting the paperwork right.
So how can you make sure that your family member feels secure while still maintaining your personal relationship?
- Contract of employment – all employees your family member must be given a contract of employment at the beginning of their employment with you.
- Understanding boundaries – before making an offer of employment, agree the boundaries that must not be crossed. They need to know what’s expected of them and where the line is!
- Regular appraisals – this may be tricky because you are appraising your bother, sister, mum, dad or wife’s ability and performance, but be honest as you can be and if struggling, talk to us for an independent view.
- Communication – keep the lines of communication at work open. Make sure there is understanding on both sides that if the relationship is becoming difficult for any reason you are able to be honest with each other.
Employing friends and family can be a bit of a tightrope but done well, it can have a long lasting and positive impact on your business.
If you have any HR challenges you need support with, contact us.
