Hi there,

I've recently opened my business and employed 2 nail techs. It wasn't easy to find qualified candidates so i didn't have much to chose from. So my choice wasn't the ideal, only the possible one...
To make a long story short, the 2 girls didn't get along very well, always picking on each other and giving me grief about it...
At the middle of last month one of them came to me saying she had a better offer and going to leave at the end of the month, i found another candidate (just one) and i took her.
My employee, that was going to stay untill the end of the month generated a not so nice dispute with me in front of a client, and having in mind she was still on the experience period, was going to leave anyway, and i already had another person for the job i decided to let her go early...
Untill here it was fine (not considering the stress of all the situation).
The new girl started last saturday, it went fine, worked on sunday, fine also. Then she had 2 days off (to maintain the scheduel) then she came today. She felt a bit sick in the morning, i told her to leave if she wanted then come back after lunch. She did and felt sick again, she went home. Then late today she sent me a text saying she doesn't think she'll be able to work tomorow or ever...?!?!
I understand she might have some health issues, but shouldn't she be honest and realistic about them instead of causing me such problems?

Anyway the point is:
Don't you employers find it hard to manage staff and deal with the permament problems they cause?

It has been, and always will be one of the most difficult aspects of running a business. The trouble is that on the whole, employees will not value your business the same way that you do. And whilst every management course I ever attended expounded the the theory that people want to do a good job, in practice it seems that all they really want to do is a little over the bare minimum!
I managed a team of software developers for years, and it took a good 80% of my time, and caused easily 90% of issues. I was adamant that when I decided to open my own salon I wouldn't employ staff because it was just a bloomin' headache I could do without.
It's hard work, and I don't envy anyone managing staff!

ok here is a new angle, when you are looking for staff at the start of a venture, it is something that you do on an ongoing basis , ie, keep looking even though you have 1 or 2 staff with you at the current time.

the idea is that you will have people to fill the place of the ones that are there, and to be honest i always tell the staff that are new that they are taken on on a trial basis only, and that keeps it all legal and fair.

and i will tell you what , when i see them going downhill and not bothering and cant be bothered working and not turining up etc , its game over, but let them know that !

recruiting is an ongoing skill that you will get good at, and before they start with you make it crystal clear about what you expect from them and get them to agree to your terms, and sign an agreement, then there is no problems if and when they fail to stick to that agreement.

and always keep in contact with the ones who are interested in working with you now and then to keep tabs and also so you know you have almost instant replacements.

it would be great if every member of staff we take on is great but thats just not how it goes, but by playing the numbers you will eventually have a great group who are happy to come to work and are all like minded.

My greatest problem was having people to select from. I advertised in the newspaper, work office, internet, etc. And honestly some people that answered... I couldn't even understand how they have the mental ability to breathe, let alone to do nails...
I could only select two decent (not good, just decent) candidates....
I maintained the online add as it doesn't cost anything and that's how i got the 3rd tech, but i don't get any good answers at all...

Do you have a relationship with a local training center? I've had good results from this. Find out when the class lets out, and post an ad.

It's in the best intrest of the school as well, because it raises their employment rate.

They drive me bloody mad, the lot of em. worst part of my job!

I also tried that aproach jessebruner, one of the girls i employed was from a local trainer, she was good so i decided to contact the trainer and ask her if she might have anymore students ready for work. Not only did she not recomend anyone, she was the one that made the better offer to that girl i employed, and that is why she left ....

Definately the most challenging part of the job and an absolute minefield. I was recommended an HR consultant who specialises in our industry you pay an annual fee and he does everything for you including 24/7 help line and support. Best money I ever spent.

Good luck x