I own a stereo shop that sells and installs the equipment in cars and homes. I have 3 car installers. Of late, too many mishaps have occured that are costing me too much money. I know accidents happen, but lately there is too much carelesness with the cars they work on. I'm not sure how to make them more accountable for their mistakes. They are loyal employees, but the problems have gotten out of hand lately. Should I make them pay for the damage or should they be put on probation or eventually fired? I'm not sure how to handle it? Any advise is welcome.

Marc:

Your problem may be your hiring practice. If your in the habit of hiring stereo installers that look and act like your car stereo buyers then be prepared for higher insurance rates and or property damages caused by employees with attitude problems. The average mobile boom box buyer is installing the equipment only to be loud enough to draw attention. A person can get attention through accmplishment or making noise.Making noise is much easier. Your employees may be trying to get attention. Try hiring mature people.

Tom Rose

But first what does your employee handbook say? If you do not have one you really need one before you try to do anything. You need to have everything set down step by step.

First offense probabtion. Second offsense suspension. Third offense termination.

I think that trying to get your employees to pay for the damages would be difficult. Also, what Tom said is true take a good look at your highering practices. Make sure you are highering quality employees. And yes I know they are very hard to get sometimes.

good hunting