Studies undertaken by the U.S. Small Business Administration contribute at the very least sixty percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product. One’s start up cleaning business falls within this category, as help in running the business is obtained from a spouse or other relatives. The strength of the business is the familial bond in running the business, relying on one another’s strength to overcome issues and obstacles. Also, trust and loyalty is a given within the family circle, but may cause mistrust if there are non family relatives in the company operations.
One of the main obstacles is being able to keep work separate from family time. This issue is compounded by working with family members. If one is not fastidious as to time management, the business may easily eat up the family time. When this happens, work becomes half-baked as the family time suffers because it crosses over to the business work time. Other common sources of issues are the following:
1) Unqualified family members being given responsibilities;
2) Giving family members too much work but not enough authority which disengages them;
3) Parental evaluation of children’s work, making for bias;
4) Unequal pay between family and non-family members as it fosters unequal treatment and disdain;
5) Family atmosphere in the workplace dilutes the professionalism of the work and the workplace;
6) Constant discussion of business at family events resulting in having no respite from the work;
7) Overlooking mistakes caused by a family member would cause repetition of the mistakes and foster mistrust with other employees;
What then is the secret to running a family business smoothly and effectively?
How can you keep your cleaning business running efficiently when family members are employees? The first step is separating work from business. Addressing relatives during work time takes a bit of practice but it is important to avoid calling them as Dad or Mom or Uncle or Son. Also, some areas need to be addressed when working with family members in a business setting.
1) At home, only family issues are addressed;
2) At the business work area, only business is to be discussed;
3) At a neutral area, either or both business and family matters can be discussed.
Also having a clear organizational structure regarding work must be observed. An employee manual would help in making this a reality as it would spell out important matters for all the members of the staff, with some who also happen to be relatives.
The strength of having family members as part of the working staff is it ensures loyalty and protection of one’s business interests. One needs to maximize this and guide how others use the time in the office as business professionals. So, avoiding the pitfalls in managing a business with family members is important as well as instilling in them the acumen for the business. Making separate arrangements and new guidelines for both the personal and professional areas are keys to make this system work. Instilling professionalism would not only make better workers but stronger family bonds for the future.
