Friends, employees don’t mix

One of the great things about owning a machine shop in America is to hopefully create a thriving business, whether large or small, and do it your way. Regardless of size, however, it’s wise for owners and managers to refrain from the personal lives of those employed.

As I’ve learned over the years, employees will request loans and special times off and even expect you to hire friends or family members who “just need a chance.” These scenarios can place managers and owners in an awkward situation, for once a precedent has been set, the requests become more frequent.

The best tactic is to keep your distance and avoid conversations about personal lives. This can be difficult at a small machine shop where you know everyone. Unfortunately, when you listen or console, an expectation is created that management is willing to help. However, when personal problems arise, it’s not the company’s or management’s responsibility to fix them.

This summer, my son’s 20-year-old friend visited my house and informed me he had become unemployed and was interested in any opportunity, even temporary work. At the time, our shop was swamped with several big projects and needed labor, so we hired him.