Optimal Work Daily - Career, Productivity and Entrepreneurship 2048: Pros and Cons of Hiring Friends or Family by Laura Gariepy with Women Who Money on Personal And Professional Balance
May 10, 2026
They debate the appeal of hiring friends and family and why trust and familiarity can speed hiring. They outline risks like blurred personal-professional boundaries and morale problems from perceived favoritism. Practical tips include screening loved ones thoroughly, putting expectations in writing, and enforcing rules equally to protect both business and relationships.
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Why Hiring Loved Ones Feels So Attractive
- Hiring friends or family feels appealing because they're known, accessible, and supportive.
- Laura Gariepy notes those advantages can mask risks that affect both business performance and personal bonds.
Speed Up Hiring Without Skipping Vetting
- Shorten hiring time only with proper assessment by still checking resumes, work samples, and interviews.
- Gariepy recommends using familiar knowledge to speed screening but not to skip standard vetting steps.
Document Work Terms Before They Start
- Set clear employment terms in writing including pay, schedule, job description, and policies before they start.
- Gariepy advises documenting expectations in a contract or offer letter to avoid later conflict.