Hiring Friends - Good Or Bad?

[Lee]

We have a friend who is currently looking for work and has asked us several times if we needed anyone to work for us, now normally we make it a rule not to hire friends because things can get complicated however, this guy actually does have a level head on his shoulder and we both feel that he'd be a great asset to the company but, he is still a friend.

Do you think we should give this guy a chance and see if things work out or do you think we should actually stick to our guns and not hire him because of that existing friendship that is already there?

Someone told me a few years ago that you should never hire friends, family or associates of friends and family and so far that is the mantra we have stuck to but this guy just seems different for some reason.

Your thoughts?

Regards,

Lee

[Squirt]

I say do it and just remember you are friends first.

If things don't work it's the employee not the friend.

[HunkyLuke]

hiring friends can be awesome for both employer and employee, as long as you both have a clear definition of what is expected and what happens if those goals are not met (which should be true of ANY employer-employee relation)

[gaybucks_chip]

The place where it gets delicate is if there's a problem, misunderstanding, or the work is substandard.

I'd say you can do it, but have a very clear discussion and tell him that sometimes you have to wear your "employer" hat, and when you do, he won't be treated any differently than any other employee. And likewise, he can wear the "employee" hat and treat you as any other employer.

It's a little artificial, but when things are difficult I've successfully used that approach to be able to separate the friendship from the business relationship and keep both intact.

[Maryflixxx]

Isn't Gary's mom your accountant? LOL!
that ship has sailed!

It can be tricky, but if expectations are clear it can work.
I'd suggest starting with a short-term, project-related contract. You can use that to suss out the relationship, help your friend, and determine if there is an ability to work together on a long term basis.

Best wishes,
Mary

[Gin]

From that experience that i had myself it would better never do business with a friend again. Cause business is business an it must be nothing personal in it. Though perhaps we were not so good friends if everything finished like that?

[nickbaer]

Keep it arms length 1099.

[born4porn]

as mentioned ... clearly defined ground rules and keeping work at work, and friends at play should keep everything balanced .... good luck!