August 6, 2025
I’ve been in business for most of my adult life — first as an employee in the banking and manufacturing industries, and later as a business owner. Through it all, one pattern has consistently shown up: I often find myself hiring family members.
Not because there are no other options, but because — somehow, consciously or unconsciously — it feels natural.
Recently, during a soft skills training with young footballers and football coaches at Enlight Vocational Institute, I posed a simple question:
“If you were to start a business today, who would you hire first?”
The overwhelming majority responded:
“A family member… then maybe a close friend.”
This got us thinking deeper.
Why are we drawn to recruit family first?
- They’re often easier to motivate.
- When sales are low or cash is delayed, they’re likely to be understanding.
- They rarely threaten legal action or become hostile.
- Many exhibit a sense of loyalty and trustworthiness from the start.
In small businesses where the budget is tight and trust is priceless, family may feel like the safest bet.
But Here’s the Catch
The same closeness can become a double-edged sword.
Too often, boundaries blur.
Family members may:
- Come to work late (because “sis won’t fire me”).
- Skip work without notice (“It’s just one day, I’ll explain later.”)
- Show a laissez-faire attitude toward responsibilities.
One trainee in class shared this story:
“My business was growing fast. I was overwhelmed and needed help. I decided to hire my sister. But she started coming in late, showed no dedication, and just didn’t take the work seriously. I eventually had to let her go and hired someone else who respected the job and the rules. That’s when things stabilized again.”
It was a hard but necessary decision.
In my opinion,
Hiring family members in your business can be a blessing — if:
- They are qualified,
- They respect the structure, and
- You are willing to set and enforce clear boundaries
I’d love to hear from you.
Have you hired a family member in your business? How did it go — smooth ride or tough lesson?
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