What consequences could we give?

Question

We have a couple of employees who have the potential to work beyond what they show us. My husband, who is their boss, has talked to them several, several times about the same thing and there doesn't seem to be any lasting change. Firing them isn't an option right now, as we are a Christian business and know that if we do fire them they will just take the problem with them to their next job.

What types of consequences would be fair to measure out to them for not listening and not doing what they are told? I know that we can send them home without pay, but I was looking for some other creative consequences as well.

PLEASE DON'T TELL ME TO FIRE THEM BECAUSE THAT IS NOT ONE OF THE OPTIONS WE HAVE AT THIS TIME.

Thanks for your time and input.

My husband and I own a metal fabrication business and the guys do work accordingly.

Answer 1

I understand that your employee's are family and not hirlings so I understand your question.

Couple questions to you: Are they doing what is required? Are you just expecting more or demanding more? If they accomplish what you ask then they are doing their jobs. If they do not accomplish what you ask or are too slow due to laziness then they are not doing their job.

Employees that have been with you longer and that are more experienced should probably get paid more. They are more valuable and create more money for your business. I think salaries will definelty get their attention. If they are costing you money, lower the pay. It sounds harsh but it should wake them up. When they produce work that is worth the higher pay then increase their wages. Communication must be given before this is done to give them a chance to change. To simply change their pay without communication would be unfair. Also, no employee should know what the other makes. It's non of their business.

I wouldn't want you to shelter these employee's from reality. They shouldn't get a free ride simply because your a Christian business. They need to do their part as an employee. They must show fruit. Mistakes happen and that's ok....but they must show fruit.

All of you are Christians. Talk about the Spirit of Excellence. That everything is done unto the Lord. That they are there to represent Christ. Being a Christian is not about Sunday service. Their very existance, their nominal every day things are what people look at. We eat and taste the fruit of their lives every day. Remind them of the reality of what it truely means to be a Christian. This is more then just a job to make money. They can go to Wal-Mart for that.

Answer 2

Just because you are a "Christian" business does not mean that firing is not an option..You have stated that you have talked with them repeatedly and there has been no lasting change.
You are in business to make money, not be a babysitter.

Clearly state each employee's job description/duties/manner in which they are to be performed (in writing and have employee sign). Be sure to emphasize that anything less than what you expect of them will be unacceptable..If they cannot comply give them a written warning with a time frame to correct any and all deficiencies. If that does not work give the offender another warning (written) with a suspension without pay...If that does not work, let him/her go.

Regarding your additional comment stating:
"My husband and I own a metal fabrication business and the guys do work accordingly."

Your "guys" are not working accordingly. If you are looking for creative ways to discipline them after repeated "talks"..something isn't right.

Answer 3

In my opinion, I'd say that, chances are, you are being too nice. If you're showing strict authority, then I think that you should try putting them somewhere, or giving them a duty that will cause them to stand out, if it doesn't get accomplished. Bring embarrassment to them, through other employees, by making it clear that they are not doing there job because they are lazy. I'm not sure of what kind of job we are actually talking about here, because in some cases, that won't work... I think you need to give more detail... their position... things like that. But ultimately, that's my advice.

Answer 4

Make them each a list with their names on it of what needs to be done. the list should be completed upon leaving. If it is not then ,they will have to complete that list AND another list tomorrow until the list gets big and big and bigger!If they are not doing what they are told they need to be reminded that they are replaceable and noone else will put up with that kind of behavior so ..thank your lucky stars you have a job and if you don't want to work, than you will be docked your salary and paid what exactly they are worth. Which is 50 cents an hour. Take it or leave it!?

Answer 5

if you want a successful business then you have to make sure your employees know exactly what is expected of them. if they cant perform the tasks to your satisfaction, find someone who will. coddling them is not helping them or you. there are too many worthy people out there begging for jobs that cant get them. businesses like yours who can create an opportunity for someone who would appreciate the work and dont are not doing anyone any good. Christian or not--you are there to make a succes of your business--why have employess who dont share your same vision?

Answer 6

Maybe instead of asking advice from perfect strangers about our lives, you should take it up. In the Matthew it states that if a Brother transgresses against you, go to him and let him know. If there still is no change you go to them with a friend, and still no change you take it to the church. If it is me that is till not changing let me know. I thought I was doing what needs to get done. If it is others then you may have to talk to them again, or take it up. I love working here with my Brothers and Sister. I know God has placed me here for a reason. If that reason is to learn a better work eithic then so be it.

Answer 7

This is an easy one. Change your compensation plan to one that is performance based.

A good example would be one that is used in sales by some companies. The more volume one sells, the greater the commision rate.

Set goals for these employees, and based on their perfomance, compensate them accordingly.

Answer 8

hmmm, what kind of business are you running first of all cause that will determine what I say. If they dont straighten up make it a criteria that now part of their job is to do vounteer work, if they dont like it they can quit. Sometimes doing volunteer work can help someone see their potential.
are the ones you talked to friends or work the same shift? if so seperate them and give them seperate projects and encourage them to do their best. sometimes seperating people is what needs to be done

Answer 9

if firing isn't the option the best way to do it in my opinion is give them bunch of praises....like wow you look good today and you are doing a discent job but i believe you can do better....something like that. Maybe this way it will boost up their hidden talents and their capabilities and will realize geez there is more things that i can do better.

Answer 10

You need to figure out what motivates them. You speak of consequences as if you are disciplining a child. You are not. These are (I assume) adults. Give them the carrot and forget the stick.