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The H.R. Guy Talks HR, Company Culture, and Avoiding Lawsuits
4 December 2024
HR processes for the Trades - what every business needs to know, from the H.R. Guy
BPC's owner, Ian "H.R. Guy" Schotanus, recently featured with Tim Hook on the Plumbing & HVAC Hustle Podcast to discuss the big issues of HR in the Trades. Check out the video
for the full discussion. Here are a couple key highlights:
What question is most frequently asked of The H.R. Guy?
- Typically it's "How do I fire this person (for lack of performance, not showing up, etc.) without getting sued?" Quick tip: it comes down to communication.
How much info should leadership share with employees who are being let go?
- You want to give at least a little explanation or employees will invent their own reason (which will never reflect well on the business), but you don't need to engage in a long discussion. Quick tip: Use the line "At-will separation for failure to meet performance/attendance/attitude expectations."
How should companies address drug/alcohol use?
- While employers can use personal preferences in deciding how to interpret pre-hire drug tests, there are still basic laws to follow: you can't drive a company vehicle while under the influence of ANYTHING, regardless of company policies. Quick tip: Make it clear what's okay "on your own time" and what's never okay at work. And don't get actively drunk while hanging out with your employees!
How do you address the fact that "on the job site, there are different rules" for behavior, joking, and ribbing among Blue Collar workers... but these same things could be interpreted as offensive or even harassment in other contexts?
- This ambiguity is one of the reasons most HR firms avoid working with the Trades! Quick tip: Help employees to better understand each other by having EVERYONE do a ride-along when they join the company. When office staff understand what happens in the field, and field staff shadow CSRs/dispatch to observe their role, everyone has a better relationship, makes a more cohesive team, and gives more grace for outbursts that might be borderline.
There's so much more to HR for the Trades than these quick takes, including how The Big Picture Consulting can help you keep more of the revenue/profits you're working so hard to earn! Check out the video for more.
Home services companies might be tempted to classify workers as independent contractors, but we STRONGLY advise you to hire them as W-2 workers instead. And it's not just because the government might fine you (big time!). Read more for tips on why it'll be in your company's best interest.
Listen to The H.R. Guy explaining the nuances of HR for the Trades in 2025, with tips on common HR pitfalls and how to avoid them, the value of Stay Interviews, key mistakes with performance pay, and the ultimate goal of "Representing the Brand."
You thought you were rid of that toxic employee, but now he's causing you even more problems - posting negative Google reviews and refusing to return company property. Why is this happening?
As a residential service provider, you might not think you're in the construction industry, but the Department of Labor has its own definition... and regulations. If you're in HVAC, plumbing, electrical, garage doors, or roofing, here are some things you need to know.
Perspective employers can ask anything they want about an applicant, but you as a current/ex-employer are legally restricted on what you are allowed to share. Check out this post for details... and for the one exception to the rule.
Some job candidates spend more effort prepping to "ace" an interview than they will spend on doing the job! Use these tips to figure out which candidate will be the best employee, and to avoid legal hot water.
If your business struggles with employee tardies and unexplained absences, an information Attendance Point System might be a good solution. Use these tips to create a system that's consistent and effective.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives have been all the rage across the government and the business world. President Trump has signaled a step back from this. Here's why the H.R. Guy doesn't think this is as dramatic a backswing as the media wants you to believe.
Most businesses that use point systems for attendance do it wrong, which can cause employee unrest or even legal issues. We break down what these systems are, how they can lead to trouble, and how to set them up correctly.
Deducting money from employee paychecks is a given (taxes, anyone?). But there are legal nuances, especially when it comes to loan repayments and final paycheck deductions. Here are a few tips to keep you out of trouble.