Business Education

How to Deal with an Employee with Limited Work Capacity

Having a good employee who is restricted in their capabilities can be a very challenging situation. This is especially true if he or she is a valued team member, but can’t put in the hours due to certain limitations. Whether it’s a preexisting condition, and injury suffered on or off the job, you obviously have moral, ethical, and legal responsibilities to him or her. However, this doesn’t mean that they are completely protected from being terminated or having their role and/or responsibilities changed. Although this article isn’t specifically about legal ramifications, it will give you some effective tools on how to deal with this particular set of circumstances. Read on to learn more about how to deal with an employee who has limited capacity.

Every Situation is Different

Limited capacity can mean the number of things, including an inability to perform certain physical tasks, and other situations. But, most often it is due to a physical limitation which prevents him or her from fulfilling one or more of their responsibilities. These can range widely, from an inability to lift certain amounts, to not being able to sit for a protracted period of time.

An ever persistent problem facing employers is what to do with the employee who is chronically sick or has a serious health problem. Besides the obvious issues it presents to the employer- additional strain on other employees to pick up the slack; inability to properly staff and manage work loads; basic coverage concerns- there are also potential state and federal legal ramifications if the absences are not handled and documented correctly. —HNI Risk Services

Whatever the case may be, It is up to you to be as accommodating as possible, without fully compromising your company’s position. In other words, it’s best to strike a balance and find a happy medium where you can accommodate their needs while also allowing them to fulfill most or all of their work responsibilities.

3 Key Ways to Deal with an Employee with a Limited Work Capacity

There’s no hard-and-fast set of rules for coping with an employee who can only work in a limited capacity. After all, no two sets of circumstances are exactly the same. But, there are some general parameters you should observe. Here are three good ways to deal with a team member who is limited in their work capacity:

Gain a real understanding of the circumstances. Whether it’s a back problem, issues with a disease, or anything else, you need to have a very clear idea of what’s going on with your employee. Understand precisely what his or her limitations are and aren’t. This way, you’ll have enough information to make good decisions when it comes to his or her role and responsibilities.
Make strategic concessions where necessary. Even your best employee can suffer from very unfortunate sets of circumstances and still be able to contribute to your company in a number of ways. Though it’s difficult to comprehend or even accept, it could be a detriment to your business (that is, if you insist on keeping everything the same). So, think outside the box and make strategic changes so he or she can continue to be a productive asset for your company.
Realistically reassess the situation periodically. Sometimes, this can be a long-lasting situation that can go on for years. Or, it could only last for several months. Regardless, you need to take the time to reassess the situation every now and again.

What other suggestions do you have? Please take a moment to share your thoughts and experiences so others can benefit from your unique perspective; it’s greatly appreciated! Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group.

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These Two Words Reveal Bad Leadership Skills

September 14, 2020 No Comments

Harry Truman once said, “It is amazing what you can accomplish if you do not care who gets the credit.” Ronald Reagan echoed that sentiment. JFK famously said, “…ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country.” Taking credit, even when legitimately earned, doesn’t sit well with others. People often take it as pompous, even narcissistic. That’s because it simply comes across that way, even if you don’t mean it at all. That’s why two simple words can give you a glimpse into someone else’s leadership style. Language Reveals a Lot about Personality The two words that serve as warning signs of bad leadership are merely pronouns — “me” and “I.” Someone who repeatedly uses “me” and “I” are subtly (perhaps overtly) expressing their worldview. That’s right, he or she is the center around which everything revolves. Leadership is one of the most important factors determining the success of a company. Poor leadership can seriously affect employee morale and even cause the company’s bottom line to plunge. Bad leadership leads to poor employee retention and demotivates the remaining employees, causing them to be much less productive than they would otherwise be. —Houston Chronicle Small Business Okay, that’s cliche, but it exposes a hard truth. We don’t like to think of ourselves as selfish, so we also don’t like to apply that label to others. Though, when the behavior is egregious, it not only seems appropriate to think of as an undesirable quality, but almost a necessity to call out. 3 Devastatingly Poor Leadership Traits While there are certainly numerous bad leadership attributes, three are among the absolute worst. They undermine the very role of a leader. So, doing any one of them (or more) will only be counterproductive. Here three hurtful leadership characteristics to avoid all the time: Micromanaging. Unsurprisingly, this makes the top of the list. Micromanagers are among the most despised people because their behavior is completely counterproductive. Insisting on control of everything means there’s really no need for anyone else. It’s so hated, this trait ranks among the highest in dissatisfaction among people in survey after survey. It shows you have no confidence in anyone else. Plus, it proclaims you’re the only competent person in the workplace. Not recognizing others. This isn’t much different from micromanaging because it stirs up just about as much resentment. It shows a lack of care and regard for others. It also says that you have little respect for the work others work so hard to produce. If you aren’t encouraging others through recognition, you’re insulting them in more than one way. Failing to share information. When you aren’t transparent and open about what’s going on or what’s expected, you’re effectively sabotaging anyone without that information. “To be unclear is to be unkind” the saying goes. It speaks volumes because keeping too much too close to the vest shows a real lack of trust. Without trust, there’s no way to have a working relationship. What other signs tip you off to a bad leader? Please share your thoughts and experiences by commenting! Others can greatly benefit from what you have to contribute. Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group.

Thinking of Hiring a Family Member for Your Small Business? Here’s Why You Should Think Twice

August 25, 2023 No Comments

Bringing family members into your small business might seem like an appealing idea, often driven by the desire to strengthen family bonds and keep the business within the family circle. It very much seems a win-win situation. At least, on first thought. However, this decision merits careful consideration. While there are undeniable advantages to hiring family, there are also potential pitfalls that can impact both personal relationships and business success. So, read on to explore the pros and cons of hiring family members in your small business. Pros of Hiring Family in Your Small Business There is certainly no question that hiring one or more family members comes with a few enticing benefits. (You can probably think of a few right off the bat.) Here are some of the biggest advantages to bring a family member on board your small business: Shared values and loyalty. Family members usually share your values and vision for the business, resulting in loyalty and dedication. Family members are more likely to be invested in the success of your business than non-family members. They’ll be more likely to work hard and go the extra mile to help the business succeed. Trust and reliability. Family bonds often translate into greater trust and reliability, reducing concerns about employee dishonesty. Plus, you know their strengths and weaknesses, their work ethic, and their commitment to the family. This can make it easier to trust them with important tasks and responsibilities. Flexible work dynamics. Family members might be more willing to work unconventional hours or take on varied responsibilities, contributing to the business’s flexibility. Additionally, hiring a family member can save you money on labor costs. You won’t have to pay them as much as you would a non-family member, and you may be able to arrange a more novel pay structure or compensation package. Another benefit is their personal knowledge of family dynamics. Family employees often understand the nuances of family dynamics, which can be quite advantageous in managing the business together. Cons of Hiring Family in Your Small Business Obviously, as with anything else, working with one or more family members can cause a few headaches. While the good can easily outweigh the bad, there are some things you should think long and hard about before hiring family to work in your small business: Blurred boundaries. Lines between work and family life can blur, leading to conflicts and stress that spill over into both realms. Working with family members can create conflict, especially if there are personality clashes or disagreements about how the business should be run. This can damage your personal relationships and make it difficult to work together effectively. Lack of objectivity. Family dynamics can hinder unbiased decision-making, potentially leading to poor business choices. When you’re working with family members, it can be difficult to be objective. You may be more likely to give them preferential treatment, even if they’re not the best person for the job. Creating unfair perceptions. Non-family employees might perceive favoritism or unequal treatment, affecting team morale. What’s more, it could involve limited skill diversity. Relying solely on family for expertise might limit the diversity of skills in the business. The decision to hire family members in your small business requires careful consideration of both the benefits and challenges. While shared values, loyalty, and trust can be advantageous, the potential for blurred boundaries, lack of objectivity, and conflicts should not be underestimated. Navigating this dynamic successfully requires a balance of clear communication, well-defined roles, and professionalism. Before extending a job offer to a family member, weigh the pros and cons, assess the potential impact on both your business and personal relationships, and establish strategies to manage challenges that might arise. By doing so, you can make an informed decision that serves the best interests of both your small business and your family ties. Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group to learn more about us and the services we offer.

Feel Overly Distracted? You’re Not Alone and Here’s Why

December 22, 2017 No Comments

You’re busy. No, you’re super busy. People might even say super-duper busy. As usual, there’s more to do than hours in the day. And, your schedule isn’t slowing down. You’ve got to do X before Y and then onto Z. But, you can’t seem to shake the notion you’re not actually get anything done. It’s not due to a lack of effort. However, it can easily be explained simply by distractions. Top Focus Problems People Suffer From Now, there are several things you can quit doing to be more successful. But, even the most self-disciplined individual isn’t immune from distractions. After all, distractions are everywhere you turn. No matter where you are or what you’re doing. And, it’s not just technology. Sure, smartphones, social media, and more are all culprits. What’s more, you’re not alone if you feel distracted. In fact, the average person’s mind wanders when doing a task between 15 and 20 percent of the time. That statistic, according to Canadian researcher Jonathan Schooler. We created the labor-saving devices that catalyzed the unplanned explosion within which we live today. But as enlightened managers everywhere are learning, we can learn to manage what we created. When we learn how to take back controls that we’ve given away, we can get better at managing our attention and not surrendering it to every distraction. —Fast Company Therefore, if a wandering mind is so prominent, what can be done about it? That’s a good question. And, the answer lies in identifying precisely the cause. You know you’re not a scobberlotcher, an idle person who just sits at a desk, twiddling your thumbs. But, you’re certainly not immune to distractions. Distractions break down focus. If you want to improve your productivity, you’ve got to key in on the cause. Here are the top focus problems people suffer from: Lack of sleep. We all know what it’s like to work through a drowsy day. It’s uncomfortable at the very least. So, don’t let sleep deprivation be an obstacle. Get into a routine that helps you to get a good night sleep. Unplug from technology about an hour before you go to bed. And, be sure to go to bed at a reasonable hour. No priorities. Okay, you have an end goal but along the way, there are many, many different tasks. Without prioritizing them, you’re creating a stressful, chaotic situation. And, it will typically result in a lack of focus precisely because there’s little to no prioritization. Give everything a priority and reap the rewards. Stress. Speaking of stress, when you try to multitask, you’re inviting undue stress. Think about it this way, if you’re trying to do more than one thing at a time, would that cause you to feel more stress? Sure it would. So, put your focus on one thing at a time. Lifestyle. Stress is just one factor; lifestyle is another legitimate cause. You can lose focus because you’re not eating a healthy diet. A balanced diet, regular exercise, and more all make focus easier. Plus, you’ll feel better when you have a healthy lifestyle. How do you maintain your focus? What methods do you use to keep on task? Have you found different ways to deal with distractions? Please share your thoughts and experiences by commenting! Interested in learning more about business? Then just visit Waters Business Consulting Group.