You might be wary of hiring a family member to come work for you, and rightly so. The personal dynamics of family members and relatives may not mesh well with the professional dynamics in the working environment. If you want to try working with relatives, setting boundaries and keeping the lines of communication open are of the utmost importance. Don't sour a professional or personal relationship with your relative with incorrect and unclear work practices--it could ruin your next family barbecue.
Step 1
Hire based upon merit, urges the National Federation of Independent Business. While bringing a relative on to work with you may sound desirable when your cousin is in financial trouble, if he doesn't have the skill, it's all for naught. Other employees could become upset that you're hiring family members without merit. Make sure that you examine qualifications and choose a job that fits those qualifications.
Step 2
Establish roles and the line of authority and management. Your older brother may resent working for you and belittle your authority at work if you don't expressly talk about management before you hire him. It can be difficult for a relative to differentiate between age and rank in the family, and the different lines of authority at work.
Step 3
Separate work and family problems. You should not be talking about work at a family reunion, and you shouldn't bring family issues to work. It's unprofessional to mix the two, notes Entrepreneur website, and it could be perceived as special treatment by other employees or coworkers. Talk to your relative about separating your two lives and treat your family member the way you would any other employee.
Step 4
Tell other employees and coworkers about your relationship to your family member. If you hide the fact that you're related, and it's discovered, your relationship could be considered dishonest. When you introduce a new employee that happens to be your uncle, tell other coworkers right away that you're related to avoid gossip and complaints in the workplace.
Step 5
Confront problems and communicate when you're having difficulties with your relative at work. You may feel as though you can't reprimand someone that you're related to, but it could be a necessary course of action. Frequent communication can help prevent arguments, hurt feelings and awkwardness in your personal life. Talking to your relative can help alert you to problems and ensure a smoother and more successful work and family relationship, notes PsychCentral website.
