Employee contracts?

[scott's turf]

Just had my only employee (full time) decide that he is quitting. He said that he will give me two weeks but I don't know if I want to put my rep on the line if he is leaving. I have a full time job and work only a few hours a week running the biz, (maint., books, landscaping jobs). By him leaving it is really going to screw me up. For my next employee I was thinking of a contract that would result in him getting say an extra $500 at the end of the year for completing the season and if he quits he loses 1 weeks pay. Is this legal? I am trying to make it through the year with one guy. Any other ideas?

[snospark]

:blob3: Hi!
My husband and I run a Landscape and Lawn Maint. business in CT. and have major employee issues, but it seems so do all of our competitors. I think offering the bonus at the end of the season is a good idea... but what happens if you fire the guy? Is he still entitled to the bonus? A friend brought up the idea of a "sign on bonus"... that we are thinking of implementing. It means that we offer the employee a certain amount of money based on his experience for beginning employment with us, then if he completes the season with us, he gets another bonus. We share your frustration. Good luck in all of your endeavors!
Mendi
Sparkle Lake

[LAWNGODFATHER]

First off you started your own problem.

You relied on a single person to do most of the work, while you are not there.

So that makes you a solo LCO using the employee as the operator.

BIG NO NO.

Second, you put a lot of control of your income in a single persons hands.

Second BIG NO NO.

Now you see what hapens, he quits and you now have to work 2 times as hard.

Go MEXICAN I did 4 weeks ago and wish I had done it years ago!!

American employees SUCK!!

[wojo23323]

where did you find info on hiring mexican labor? when i was in bahrain a few months ago i wanted to bring home some pakistan labor. i never had a chance to look into it. these guys would be smiling while they were sweeping the curb with a palm branch. they are just happy to have a job and food. they are very hard workers.

[LAWNGODFATHER]

Can you say GREEN CARD?

Long story on the hook up, but there are plenty more when I need them.

[P&J Lawncare]

AMERICAN EMPLOYEES STINK!!!!!

Lawngodfather you could always move to mexico if you think the american workers is so bad. I employee american workers and I will put them up against anybody including your mexicans. The money my guys make gets spent in america and not mexico which is important to our economy.

[Fantasy Lawns]

Those "American employees SUCK!!" put a man on the Moon .... please ....

employees problems ARE IN DIRECT RELATIONSHIP TO OWNER INPUT ... that input includes Training (what a concept) pay (go figure) n work enviroment (what those spolied brats)

[GreenQuest Lawn]

At a LC I used to work for he had an "iron man bonus". If an employee made it the whole 8 month mowing season (28 weeks) without missing a day or being late more than 2 times. (scheduled days off were ok for doc, dentist, or family death, ect.) mainly calling in sick. They would get one weeks pay as a bonus.

[The Lawn Choupique]

What about importing a few Afgan's? I here that they are willing to put it all on the line for their employers.

[bart may]

I had 8 guys quit last year throughout the the season. It literally killed me. On advice from another Lco I'm doing a bonus incentive program. Employees must be consitently on time, miss no more than 3 days, and work the entire season. If they are fired for consistently being late, abuse to equip. or other reasons they forfeit their bonus.(Be sure to document these cases) I'm matching every hour they work with $1. They all have sighned a paper with the bonus system outlined, that they understand it and that it is not part of their hourly rate. So far it's working great. If they quit early they will walk away from quite a bit of money. At the end of the season it shows up as a tip to them(on taxs) and is cheaper for you than paying them the extra dollar and hour throughout the year on payroll. Basically all they have to do is show up, work hard, and commit to helping you grow your bussiness.

[smburgess]

Scott's Turf.....

Back to your question...

It would be illegal to keep any monies earned from the employee.

[LawnLad]

Check your state laws - some states (such as Ohio) are "At will employment" - which means you can fire the employee or they can quit for reason or no reason. The whole 2 week notice gig is a tradition or custum, a courtesy - but not required. Your guy could walk out on you at 9 am if he wants. You can fire him too! This would be the case with an employment contract too. A contract can not keep someone working at your company - and I don't know why you'd want to keep someone who wasn't happy anyways. They'll always cost you more money then they'll make you.

Regardless - treat employees with respect. Don't penailize them for choosing to move on. Make the right hiring choice from the start, provide a good place of employment and compensate them well - and in theory, you should have employees stick with you.

Try motivating through incentives. But becareful because cash incentives will become expected and will be considered by the employee as wages. So when you go to take away a bonus, they may get pretty upset. Be careful how you pitch it.

I heard of a system where a guy a $500.00 bonus on December 15th of each season to each employee who completed the season. They lost $50.00 each day they showed up late, did not come in uniform or didn't bring their lunch.

The company just figured the $500.00 (about $.025 per hour for the year) into their wage calculation for their budget.

For us - showing up on time is a given, it's in the company culture. Not wearing a uniform is no option - never been a problem. We provide a good/great uniform. Don't bring your lunch... you don't eat.

On the whole worker issue - we're looking at H2-B labor because we can't keep a steady group of laborers. I'm finding guys that can be leadmen or foreman, just not laborers. The highschool/college kid thing does not work consistently well and they're around for only 8 weeks now. Those without jobs right now are those that you don't want to hire. Either no experience or no work ethic.

Hiring foreign labor is a viable alternative. Yes some of our dollars may get shipped back to Central/South America or Eastern Europe or South Africa, but they are pumping dollars into our economy by creating additional value and producing more labor than we have available in the country currently.

I do not like the work ethic of many Americans - but that certainly does not make me anti-American. I don't think that LGF's comments make him unpatriotic or un-American, he's simply stating what the service industry already knows. We're short handed and if you're going to make money you've got to look elsewhere.

[KDJ]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by LAWNGODFATHER
[

American employees SUCK!!


**** Y@u

[LAWNGODFATHER]

Originally posted by Fantasy Lawns
Those "American employees SUCK!!" put a man on the Moon .... please ....

employees problems ARE IN DIRECT RELATIONSHIP TO OWNER INPUT ... that input includes Training (what a concept) pay (go figure) n work enviroment (what those spolied brats)

Ohh Please!!! that's the best you can do.

That was 33 years ago, when AMERICANS had work ethics for sevice laborers.

Ya'll are still in the dark ages, WAKE UP!!!!

Second part I don't think so when employees wont even stay for an 8-10 hour day on their first real day of work in their life.

Humm what do we have to choose from for lawn or landscape employees? White trash, brothers who expect everything handed to them, and think you owe them somthing. Lazy, greedy, whinny, spoiled american brats.

Just think some of YOU are raising these people. What a reality check huh?

The Lawn Choupique, isn't that what it was like in AMERICA only a half century ago? But no AMERICANS pushed for less hours and more money. See where this is going. AMERICANS have done this to themselves!!!

KDJ whom can't even quote a post right, very intelligent. You may win the most intelligent post award.

Some hispanics down in FLA steeling some biz from you?

You can't take the heat don't vote in the next election!!!

I ask for a few simple things from empl. reliability, performance, and quality. I payed many of my employess more than an adiquit amount for ther labor and expect to be compensated for for it.

So if you complain, teach you child work ethics!!! It goes like this put up or shut up.

[LAWNGODFATHER]

Just to add to the keep monies in the USA.

NAFTA

Made in China

Made in Korea

Made in Taiwan

Made in Mexico

Made in Germany

Made in Brazil

Made in Yougaslovia

Made in Russia

Made in India

A product of Cuba

Humm made in where labor is cheaper

How many products do you own that are not MADE IN THE USA?

Shindowa, Kawasaki, Chrysler, Ford, GM, Honda, Toyota, Yugo, Haundi, Zenoha, Echo, Ryobi, BMW, Porche, Lexus, Acura, Infinty, Land Rover (not to many of you have the last 6) Isuzu, etc.......

Sony, RCA, etc..

I could go on for days.

And to top it off your ancestors are a product of where? Not the USA!!

[Lanelle]

It seems that location has a lot do with workforce. Some of you are fortunate to work in areas where the labor pool vs. job market is favorable enough to obtain loyal, local employees. Others of us work in areas where there are more jobs than people so the unskilled service jobs go begging unless green card labor is hired.
To illustrate my point: When I go into McDonalds around here, I rarely see an English-speaking, native-born American behind the counter or even as the manager. Recently we took a trip to a rural area a few hours away. In each McD's or similar restaurant we entered, we were shocked to be spoken to in un-broken English by someone who was evidently born locally (I'll save quips about accents for elsewhere) and then notice that every employee spoke English as a first language. Our whole family was amazed because that just doesn't happen around here.
If you want hard-working people to do grounds maintenance in this area, you will eventually hire Hispanics. Just the way it is.

[Fantasy Lawns]

I’m confused …... I thought we provided a Service not a Product ?? ….. as an American we purchase many items from foreign countries …. just as they purchase products made in USA

This should stay real …n I am well awake ….I understand the use of migrate workers … just your statement of “American Workers Suck” is not true ….sometimes we don't expect or plan than get hit with n employee issue n hire a "warm body" this hurts ....so the interview process is important ...n believe me I know how hard it is to find "good ones" ...so when I do I hold on to em ....

anyways go to any country n you will see lazy sacks …n yes we have em’ …. Employee turn over is a killer …I have no problems with Hb1 workers …. I’d say it’s smart business for some ….lucky for me I am able to pay high on the wage scale ….as my customers demand quality n I am able to bid jobs accordingly …we can motivate employees beyond just $$ or even with bonus plans … which is kinda what the original ? was about ….

But I have to say …..let’s see …. American Workers help

Support the Greatest Government in the world …. Provide our Economy …. Provide most development in the World Space Station ….Build your Exmark … provide & support our Roadways, Cities & Townships …..Pushed the computer age forward … contribute & participate in the greatest Sports in the World … are the innovators , developers & creators to some of the largest companies in the world as well as many products you may take for granted (every been to a 3rd world country?)…. Donate $$ to many charitable causes local, national & world wide …it’s a long list LGF

ask any foreign worker if they would like to become an "American" I'm sure many if not most whould say "yes" ....would this change their work habits?? or would they become the next hight motivated business owner ?

Our workers ( at my business) are highly motivated, well trained n respected in return I get a quality service for our clients

[LAWNGODFATHER]

So far the last 5 years or so my labor pool has been the chioce of the drug addicts, and/or alcaholics, and/or greedy males.

Pay amount, training program has very little to do with it if you can't even get quality applicants.

Where does it come from and where do we as service providers (also known as a product) go now?

Where do my Hispanics spend there money is none of my business.

Where did some of my american workers spend their money.

Weed

Cocaine

Chystal Meth

Heroin

Alcahol

I did run adds that said drug screenings as part of application process and had ZERO calls

Hummm looks to me that more of the money is going out side of the USA than the Mecixans.

My demographics look more far worse than yours.

Good luck on your employees, now I should be able to give Brickman, TGCL, Scotts, and a host of others a run for their money.

So to reinterate, my statment of AMERICAN WORKERS SUCK IN ST LOUIS!!!!!

Is that better?

[odin]

All i can add is im glad we 4 brothers who own our business do the work ourselves an also we have a large pool of italian and scots relatives who help out a lot:D

[rodfather]

The thing that has worked for me the most is employee job referrals...employees that have found other people for me. I have been doing that for now 8 years.

But...I see the financial and physical sense of having others like the Mexican people. They are hard workers, loyal, and do not have a bunch of gripes like a bunch of us gringoes...they do their job and go bout it.

Ah...if all us US citizens were like that we would not be complaining about the "foreign influence" Go figure???

Just my 2 cents. I agree with you LGF.

[P&J Lawncare]

LAWNGODFATHER and LAWNLAD both are in favor of mexican workers the only difference is LAWNLAD explains the benefits and reasoning for hiring outside help and LAWNGODFATHER just says american labor sucks and expects everybody to be all right with his statement. The point that I am making is I think that LAWNGODFATHER has alot of knowledge about this buisiness but sometimes (most of the time) he comes off arrogant in his responses and I think that it sometimes takes away from his usually sound advice.

[LAWNGODFATHER]

Well out of all the one who have posted here Odinoo is probaly the only one whom has inside help, the rest of us mostly likely have out side help.
Is that arogant enought for you?

I have not gone out side the county, but hired legal aliens that are legal and resident of this great USA.

I did not hire H2B workers if you know what they are.

[bobbygedd]

my own experiences with employees: MEXICAN/HISPANIC EMPLOYEE: " can u give me more hours, i can learn how to use all the equipment, ill stay and clean up, ill clean the machines and the truck." basically, very hard working and dedicated. AMERICAN WORKER: " its too hot today, how many lawns do we have today, can we finish this tommorow, i cant work thursday or friday, im goin on my friends boat, clean the truck? what do i look like, your personal slave? i need more money, dont talk to me like that! its not my problem if yur behind on your schedule........." yes, AMERICAN WORKERS DO SUCK! they want more money, more respect, they want to work less hours, and make thier own schedule, and r very choosy about the kind of work they will do. and they think being hungover or goin fishin is a good reason for missing work. americans have for the most part been finding someone else to do thier work for them for a long, long time(slavery) . y do u think big manufactoring corporations hire hispanics? cus they cant get white boys to do the work, be there every day, keep thier mouth shut, and for a reasonable price.

[P&J Lawncare]

My last response wasn't about hiring H2B workers (I know what it means ) it was about how it is a shame someone of with your knowledge doesn't know how to give answers without arrogance attached to them. Your cocky responses might intimidate others on this board but it doesn't effect me one bit. I welcome any nasty remark you throw my way because I can match you word for word and I know my buisiness can match yours dollar for dollar (I probably do double what you do per year) so chew on that for a while slick. I wonder if you are as cocky in person as you are in this forum, I guess I will stop by the flex deck booth after all this year and introduce myself to see if you are as arrogant in person as you are right now. BOBBYGEDD I am not doubting the need for H2B workers in this industry my last comments were about the right way to get a point across, the way that you said it makes sense to me because you explained the reasons why they are needed and you make sense, lawngodfather on the other hand just says american labor sucks and then gets pi$$ed when someone takes offense to his comments. Lawngodfather I was trying to say to you that I think that your advice is good but that sometimes the way you reply to a question is harsh. Before you doubt me or my buisiness Lawngodfather you can ask P.J. at hustler because he has seen my operation and more importantly he has meet me so if you doubt me for a second ask him.

[Sean Adams]

This has turned into quite a heated discussion. The only thing I have to say is this...

I see a lot of large, highly profitable companies in this industry leaning more and more towards hispanic labor.

I think it was Lanelle who posted the difference in areas in regard to the labor. And it is true.

Also, I do strongly agree with whoever said that training and screening is vital to the success, growth and rentention of your employees.

As LawnLad put it...(not quoted)

Treat your employees with respect, create a professional environment with expectations, and consistently do what you have to do to find the best employees that fit your company.

Labor will forever be an issue in the industry. But I do know a lot of companies who operate with 100% American Labor and are growing, profitable and unwilling to trade them for the world.

If anyone is interested, here is a good place to look...

www.silc-h2b.com or maybe it's....

www.h2b-silc.com

One of the two.

[LAWNGODFATHER]

Whatever potty mouth.

This wasn't a dollar discussion you started

I don't care what amount of money you make. That was not the point.

The exact point I made has been explained hundreds of times on here, that I beg not to explain ever remark I make.

So now you can't out whit me on anything, so your going to try and go some where else.

YES I can be arrogant, it's people like you who made me arrogant.

[KDJ]

Is someone having a bad week???

hehehehe

[P&J Lawncare]

It isn't hard to out WIT you (you can't even spell) and as for your arrogance I can guarantee you your arrogance would disappear if I was in front of you so in reality it isn't people like me that make you arrogant it is people like me who put you in your place. I only brung up money so that you understand that my buisiness is bigger than yours so that the next time you try to talk down to me you need to remember who you are dealing with.

[Rooster]

The subject matter of this thread is "Employee contracts?

STOP THE NAME CALLING, AND STAY ON THE FORUM TOPIC!

While your at it reread and follow: http://www.lawnsite.com/guidelines.php

If you choose to do otherwise, action will be taken to ensure that you do.

Rick

[ProMo]

my shoes are twice as big as yours so i can walk twice as fast as you hmmmmmm who cares ive been at this for 10 years and still have no worker everytime i get close something pulls me down well im putting 100% of my effort to learn the biz end now hopefully things will change.A co i used to work for ive seen a lot of nightmare employees some american some not went to pick up a crew of 4 guys boss hired they were all freinds of each other and low and behold they were tripping on lsd wow. was doing an apt complex and the boss hired two other guys that were freinds well they didnt want to work anymore so they hopped in the truk and off they drove back to home base they were arrested before they got there for vehicle theft.The boss bought this biz from another guy i worked for and lost 75% of the biz in a month after an accident i had after a girl wrecked his truck(hung over pulled out in front of a car i was thrown out)i sued him because he wouldnt pay 150 dollar med bill i took the rest of his accounts hmmmm he hired me back after i sued him and won seems like the boss wasnt good at screening his workers