There is a business owner who took to social media to passively ask for validation for passive aggressively punishing his employees for violating a policy he never created. He brought it upon himself to mention that the employees do outstanding work on a timely basis, are underpaid, and do everything explicitly asked of him. But one day he spent his entire day monitoring how they spent their spare time (on their phone), which offended him. Aside from how I questioned how he spent his spare time; I wondered how he could have added value to his business with motivated employees. Instead, in an emotional response, he chooses to look outward and alienate his employees who many other business owners would love to have.
This story is real, and variations of it are very common in this industry as well as others. For those who may side with the owner here, who argue for worker efficiency on his payroll, the problem is not a rule or policy. There were no guidelines stated or documented for what offended the business owner. It is the lack of accountability of someone in supposedly the ultimate leadership position lacking emotional intelligence, communication skills, and other areas that would nurture a good workplace culture.
Some of the marketing content that I produce for my business is focused on consumers finding a quality detailing business. In the screening process, I suggest customers look for signs of a quality group of employees. Obviously, there is the question of skill level. But beneath the surface I am thinking about the quality of the employee experience. How are you (the owner) treating your employees? How do you communicate? Is it a job or career for them?
I do not complain about McDonald’s employees who are not vetted and compensated in a way that inherently motivates them to be passionate about providing a world-class experience. But if I were to order food at McDonald’s, I would not have high expectations. Have you done business with a prestigious company, that you perhaps aspire to emulate? What are the chances that they are somewhat more professional than most automotive detailing business owners in how they bring new employees into their company! Quite a few people in your customer avatar would not take their car to a low paying, revolving door, and poor moral workforce.
I am not suggesting at all the process of having employees is easy or not frustrating. I have no experience in dealing with employees as a business owner. But I have been an employee for multiple business owners and managers. I have managed employees. I also, of course, know quite a few very profitable detailing business owners who have numerous employees. The owners I am referring to do not vent their frustrations in their (‘now accepting applications’) social media content while soliciting applicants. I am quite sure I am hard working. I believe I am a responsible individual. I have been committed to making the company I work for a better place. Looking at some of the ‘now hiring’ posts, I would not want to work for them either. I imagine if someone did, it would be out of short-term desperation. If the best people you can attract are not invested at all, and likely to move from job to job, or look for a career to be invested in, maybe it is time to be radically honest with yourself about the culture you invite.