Porter the Sorter ‘Dad, pull your socks up or you’re out!’

When SME owners start a business, we often need to access all of the resources available to us to get the business off the ground. We seek support from those around us that we trust, have the skills we need and are keen to see the business succeed. Often this can involve family members or personal friends. But how do you run a business and maintain healthy relationships?

Business is business, right? But it’s not as easy as that. It can be a minefield where you have personal relationships that extend between the business owner to different team members across the business.

We have a client who has his dad, wife, brother and aunt all as members of the team! It’s more like a family tree than organisation chart. They manage the family dynamic really well but there are definitely things to be aware of to prevent there being issues.

Over time it is challenging to be able to address any issues of underperformance or misconduct between family members. So, what can you do to navigate the minefield?

• Be clear with all family members the reasons why being consistent about expectations across the whole team is important.

• Create job descriptions to give clarity on every role in the business to help manage performance.

• Be wary of discussing family issues when at work. Create separation by agreeing to keep all family conversations outside of the workplace to prevent anyone from feeling alienated.

• Be transparent with other team members that it may feel unusual, but they have your permission to raise any issues and disregard any relationships, where appropriate.

• Use an impartial third party / outsourced HR service to investigate or take corrective actions where required.

If you have questions for Porter the Sorter, email hrhelp@hrdept.co.uk for consideration for future editions.

The HR Dept are an outsourced HR services provider supporting local SMEs with their people issues and strategy. For advice on managing relationships in the workplace and anything else people related call 0345 208 1290. Always seek employment law advice regarding management of your people issues to ensure that you and your business are well protected from potential litigation risks.