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STAFF IN BUSINESS MATTER

Once you need to employ staff in a growing business, your troubles can start, since they bring a whole new challenge to the ambitious business person.

Some owners see staff as tools, there to do a job, to be hired and fired as needed.

Others see staff as valuable assets, to be part of the team which ensures the future success and profitability of the business venture.

Others can rope in family and friends to help especially at critical, seasonal busy periods, or hire temporary agency staff.

There is a lot to be said for staying small and not employing anyone at all, in fact the majority of small businesses are just that SOLE PROPRIETOR led firms.

If you need to hire staff you need a few questions answered so you are clear in your mind why you need them, what they are going to do, and how much they are going to cost you;

• why do you need them at all, are there alternatives such as sub contracting or self employed people on piece work?

• what will they be doing, specific tasks or an all rounder? The more versatile an employee can be the better and vital for a small, growing firm. The employee can also benefit and move into more specific roles later as the firm grows.

• how will you recruit them - local newspapers, expect a big response - ask for written applications rather than telephone calls.

• consider initially hiring casual agency staff, often a good person can be found who you can then keep as a permanent employee who is a proven asset to the business. The agency fee is well worth the time and risk issues of self recruitment.

• who will interview prospects and have you prepared a check list of questions? Do you need to brush up on your interview skills or do some practicing?

• what will they cost per month and year - remember to add at least 50% more to cover the cost of holidays, illness, providing space, heating etc

• do you have a contract of employment drafted outlining their role, benefits and factors such as their roles, responsibilities, holidays, illness, dismissal etc.

• new staff should be engaged initially on a trial contract of 1-3 months which allows you to dismiss them without penalty if they prove unsuitable. They can also exit if they find the role does not suit them.

• you will need a SIN LIST which if committed give ground to instant dismissal. Smoking and drug taking are just a couple of examples. Check out other employers contracts to see how they word their conditions of employment.

• talk it over with your accountant and bank manager to see other views on your staffing plans, a few snippets of advice may help with better planning.

• having hired someone, ensure they are received well and their first day planned well. Both you and they will be naturally nervous, so remain friendly and helpful, remember you are the BOSS, but see staff and you as a team, each dependent on the other.

Useful web sites

• 10 Ways to Delegate Without Hiring Staff. "Small Business Survival" is a funny, informative blog about the ins and outs of running a small business.
   

• Real Small Business That's why hiring staff is one of the most important challenges for anyone getting a small business off the ground.

• Why small firms aren‘t hiring staff More than one in four companies has shelved plans to expand and take on more staff due to concern over recent rises in the national minimum wage

• Hire staff who are a perfect fit Then, it's critical to keep valuable staff members committed to your business ... AND more questions: asking them is the only way to hire the right person.

• People In Small Biz Hiring staff allows you to focus on managing the business.

Please feel free to Contact Us with questions or to give us information to add to our knowledge base.