As a business owner, at some point you may start to toy with the idea of hiring a close friend or a family member, maybe because the person seems like the right fit for a vacant position in your firm or because you need the closeness of someone you are familiar with and can trust.
Before deciding to hire your friend or family member, however, you should consider the factors below, which will in prevent needless conflict in your professional – and personal relationship – with your relative or friend. After all, the ramifications of a fall-out won’t just extend to your business, but to your personal life as well.
Pros of Hiring a Friend or Family Member
- You are already aware of the strength and weaknesses of your family members and close friends. This will allow you put your relative or friend in a position where the person’s skills and expertise can best benefit your business.
- Friends and family may already understand your business’ processes and systems. Hiring a friend or family member will likely eliminate the expenses and costs incurred in training a new staff member.
- A friend or family member, due to your mutual affiliations, may be more motivated to ensure the success of your business than an ordinary employee. A friend may be more willing to put in longer hours, and act with the best interest of your business at heart.
- Having a close friend or family member on your team will provide you with much needed emotional balance. Having a shoulder to cry on and an ear to hear you out on your latest plans can help keep you on the right track.
Cons of Hiring a Friend or Family Member
- Based on your close affinity, firing a friend or relative may be a difficult decision to make. An unscrupulous friend may decide to take advantage of your benevolence and act against the best interests of your business.
- Hiring a friend or family member may breed bad blood among your other employees. Your other staff may feel envious when you hire a friend or family member, presuming nepotism.
- Personal conflicts may be brought to the workplace, which can drastically reduce the productivity of your business.
- Work place conflicts may turn personal, which will negatively affect the quality of your personal relationship with your friend or family member.
