Things to consider when hiring friends or family
Organising work for a friend or family member can be a gracious deed, but it should also come with a warning label...
Hiring a friend or family member might help them through tough financial times, but doing so without care can lead to complications.
Setting healthy boundaries is essential to maintaining both personal and professional
relationships. If you're considering offering a job to someone close to
you, there are a few important things to keep in mind.
Start by reviewing your company's nepotism policy. Are family hires allowed? If so, make sure you're following all the guidelines to stay compliant and transparent.
Even if you know the person well, resist the urge to skip formalities. Conduct a full interview process, including any necessary skills assessments.
This not only ensures they're the right fit for the role, but it also shows your organisation that you’re treating the hire fairly, without favouritism or shortcuts.
Some friends or family members may share your strong work ethic and prove to be a great asset to your team.
Others, however, might take advantage of your relationship and fall short in fulfilling their responsibilities.
How you handle this from the start will make all the difference. If poor performance isn't addressed early, it can drag down your team and turn into a decision you'll regret.
As Indeed notes: "It can be a challenge to enforce expectations when employees fall short of meeting their goals, and this task may become more complex when the employee in question is your friend. When your friend doesn't perform their duties satisfactorily, you might struggle with addressing the situation and coaching them toward success. You must establish expectations during onboarding to avoid any misinterpretations."
Avoid favouritism at all costs. When you hire someone you have a personal relationship with, other employees may perceive your actions as biased. Be mindful of this and maintain professionalism at all times.
Helping a friend or family member in need might feel like the right thing to do, but ensure you’re not hiring them purely out of obligation. They should still meet the requirements of the role and be selected on merit.
If you're running your own business, things might be a little more flexible, and it could be a great opportunity to help them gain experience. But be clear about expectations from the start.
Remember that saying, "Live together like brothers and do business together like strangers."
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