Maybe I am just too nice?

SPODE

SPODE

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I have been managing people since I was 16 back in the 80's. I started at the old Shell Station off Crown Valley and Niguel road. It is now the Chevron there. Fast forward, through 40 years restaurants, landscaping companies, sales companies, and my current business of Auto mechanics and Tire sales here in Big Bear since 1999. 

But these last few years I am seeing a huge increase in "I am sick", I need to take my grandma to the hospital", "CPS is at my house", " I though I was off yesterday",  or just no call no show then a plethora of reasons. Etc. etc. etc.  Some of you are rolling your eyes right now as I am sure this isn't just me. 

When I was young I was told " You want your job?  You show up - I don't care about your personal life" And so I did. Sure on occasion I'd have pneumonia for real but not very often. 

As an employer our hands are tied pretty tight as to what we can do to motivate employees here in California. I am fully aware of the write them up 3 times and then fire them format. And we do just that. But nowadays usually they quit on the 2nd written warning.  In my line of work it is getting harder and harder to find good employees. Who wants to work on filthy dirty tires and mechanical work anymore?

I guess I say all that to ask this? What are some of your creative ways of managing employees who have a habitual pattern of being " Sick". I know there are a lot of small business owners out here. Just curious as to your thoughts. Thanks in advance.

P.S. I have about 5 years left till I sell everything and bail. 

 
The balance is real.  Fire is the correct way to deal with it but with no replacement, it is an ugly position to be in.   The hiring pool is non existent.  I don't even need a high school diploma as long as they show up for the interview and didnt get dropped off by Uber. :lol:

My best candidates have fixed their own vehicles, mowed a lawn, own some tools and have some connection to an existing employee.

 
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In the last 6 months I've seen three work acquaintances close up shop because of this very reason. Someone that shows up on time, has integrity, and is a hard worker is an absolute unicorn nowadays.

 
I see the same thing in pipefitting/plumbing trade.  I would rather cut out the bad apples and run thin than put up with "no call, no show".  I fired a late 20 year old a couple weeks ago just for that and he showed up the next day, i told him he had been fired and go find another job.  I made sure to tell him this in front of other guys to show them i don't play around, communication is all i ask, if you want a day off or have to take your third baby moma to the vet for an abortion put it on the calendar and i have no problem with it.  I also cover my guys when they make an effort to make their appointments in the afternoon or morning and come in late.  Its a give and take world these days.  

 
I would hire every person who sends me a resume to one of our ads.  All they have to do is answer the phone, respond to a text or the email I send/ make within 5 minutes of them 

SENDING ME A RESUME.

 
its only getting worse.  its everywhere man. 

Until they get hungry it will never end. 

Im 56, work a full time career, mow lawns on the side, and manage rental properties/shopping malls. I work about 90 hours a week, sometimes more sometimes less. 

but i do what it takes to get the job done. I came up working for skaggs, albertsons in grocery retail. It was expected of you to do what is needed when its time.

If you wanted your job you did it. 

Good luck man, i don't know how you owners do it. I know you can't do it all yourself, but what does a guy do.  

I always wonder if the world had to build another hoover dam or something like that, could we even do it

 
Any of my new hires, I drill into them that they need to show up.  Being here is half the job.  All but 1 or get it.  One, I can't do anything about as he's locked in.

My wife manages a small place up here and every weekend is a crapshoot to see who shows up. 

 
Its actually weird reading this but NOT surprising. For me Being  my age it has been Impossible to change jobs. When My current job cut all OT and etc it was a Huge cut in pay. I have applied sending resumes and etc for almost two years and only a handful of returns on that. Up until my accident in Nov at Glamis I hadnt called out sick in two years and all my Vacation time and sick time was maxed out. Never left early Never written up and was the TOP driver in the state but being 52 years old NOBODY wants you. I instilled the same work ethic in both my sons 28-22 and they work hard as well but I do see in some of their friends what Y'all are talking about.

 
LegitDuner said:
In the last 6 months I've seen three work acquaintances close up shop because of this very reason. Someone that shows up on time, has integrity, and is a hard worker is an absolute unicorn nowadays.
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Fasho!  The problem, in part, is that the corporate world doesn’t appreciate it.

 
I don't own a business but I do manage several people.  My advice (it's worked for me so far as no one really calls out much) - is to find out what makes each of your employees happy.  Develop a personal relationship with them...Some people like to be told they did a good job every day (even for the small things), some people want to be left alone entirely, some people want you to be their best friend and talk to them about what's on their mind...But what I've learned is that all people are different in what makes them happy in a business setting.

If you develop a personal relationship and find out what makes them happy (even if it disgusts you in example to tell someone who sucks they did a great job that day) - do it.  When they call out sick, tell them - I hope you feel better soon, we will miss you at the shop (when in reality you're thinking to yourself, f'ng douche :) ).  Don't give them a guilt trip, tell them to take care of themselves and that you look forward to seeing them back at work.  If people feel like the people who manage them genuinely care about them, they will be more likely to show up for work and work hard for you.  

 
My wife retired at 43 years........didn't get an email, a group call, a thank you from ANYONE.   Her supervisor didn't even call her to say thank you..........43 years..... almost 16,000 days of work, probably called in sick less than 100 times in those 43 years.......

Anymore....you are a number.......

 
I try to make a fun working environment...  

And shitcan those who aren't bought in with no regret or mercy.

Realbadlarry said:
Why won't businesses hire older workers?  We're the only ones who will work????????????
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Over 40 is generally a + for me unless its for an entry-level position.  Then you better have a good reason for the career change.

 
I have had younger co-workers (18-30) call in sick either because they were playing video games or because they had been up all night (knowing they were suppose to be at work in the morning) playing video games.

 
wesinls said:
Develop a personal relationship with them... Some people like to be told they did a good job every day (even for the small things), some people want to be left alone entirely, some people want you to be their best friend and talk to them about what's on their mind...But what I've learned is that all people are different in what makes them happy in a business setting.

If you develop a personal relationship and find out what makes them happy (even if it disgusts you in example to tell someone who sucks they did a great job that day) - do it.  When they call out sick, tell them - I hope you feel better soon, we will miss you at the shop (when in reality you're thinking to yourself, f'ng douche :) ).  Don't give them a guilt trip, tell them to take care of themselves and that you look forward to seeing them back at work.  If people feel like the people who manage them genuinely care about them, they will be more likely to show up for work and work hard for you.  
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Love all the comments thanks guys, Also LoL, This sounds like exactly what I do. Great advice always. 

FYI we offer all our guys a competitive wage with the opportunity to earn bonuses and advancement at a fast pace if they have 3 things, good attitude, attendance and performance.  Paid holidays, no weekends, closed from Wed thru Sun for T-Day paid, Closed Christmas Eve until the 2nd also paid. Clean organized mellow environment. Myself and my manager never talk down to or show negativity to any employee. We let them make that bed. I have learned that bad employees will expose themselves to be so in time. 

I am just surprised at how flakey our society is becoming. 

 
SPODE said:
Love all the comments thanks guys, Also LoL, This sounds like exactly what I do. Great advice always. 

FYI we offer all our guys a competitive wage with the opportunity to earn bonuses and advancement at a fast pace if they have 3 things, good attitude, attendance and performance.  Paid holidays, no weekends, closed from Wed thru Sun for T-Day paid, Closed Christmas Eve until the 2nd also paid. Clean organized mellow environment. Myself and my manager never talk down to or show negativity to any employee. We let them make that bed. I have learned that bad employees will expose themselves to be so in time. 

I am just surprised at how flakey our society is becoming. 
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Sounds like you're doing all the right things. People just suck sometimes.

 
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