by Frances Meupe

Created on: June 14, 2010

Sometimes two people can share mutual personality traits so much so, that a strong bond develops between them. They share every aspect of their lives and they become inseparable. If fortunate enough to hire on at the same time, they even work together. But is it fortunate for the employer? Does an employer think he has hit pay dirt if two friends happened upon the company to be hired together?

Many employers may feel reluctant to hire two friends at the same time. They figure that in all probability that to lose one, means to lose the other. The next possibility is that one is very efficient and the other is not. What if they share a ride? If one is tardy or misses work, then the problem is doubled. Salary can also be a potential problem. Maybe one friend has more experience. Will the friends remain buddy-buddy if there is a disparity in pay?  Could hiring  friends create a hostile work environment?   Hiring two friends at the same time could prove to be counter-productive.

Then again, there are some employers who dread going through the whole hiring process. These bosses don’t like paying for advertising or posting job openings. And they don’t like leafing through the resumes. In fact, it is not uncommon for a boss to ask the staff if they could refer someone. So an employer may consider that he has lucked out to hire two friends together. If they are dependable with good work ethics, it could be a win-win situation. Employers who are risk takers usually take the plunge. After all, according to that old adage, “nothing ventured, nothing gained.” If it doesn’t work out, back to square one. And besides, clever friends can strategize to hire on separately.

Hopefully, transportation would not become an issue. Ideally each would have their own means of transportation. Perhaps the two share a ride or utilize public transportation. No matter their means of getting to work, tardiness and absenteeism rules apply to everyone.

Another plus side of the dilemma is that the two friends could be very proficient. Even if one is not as efficient as the other, one friend would help the other. This could also serve as a good example of teamwork. Good friends want what is best for each other and want each other to succeed.

If the salary has to be different for whatever reason applicable to the job, true friends would understand and have no problem with the differential. This would not sever ties of good friends who are “joined at the hip”.

Friends who like to hire on together usually come as a package deal. What does this mean to the employer? If one friend quits or is terminated, no doubt the other friend will also leave. But there is a possibility that the job is ideal and the other friend would not quit. Even if they were no longer working together, it would not weaken a strong friendship cemented with love and understanding. Especially if each friend realizes that it takes a long time to grow a good friend.

For employers who have reservations about hiring two friends at the same time: Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. ECC 4: 9-10.

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