Dear Worried Worker:

I want to save one of my employees, but don’t think I can.  She basically said to me that since she doesn’t share in any ownership of the business, she doesn’t really care; it’s just a job.  We’re a small business that doesn’t make much money.  We pretty much break even, pay our bills and our employees and that’s about it.  She’s in her early twenties, out of college and wants stock in a company that isn’t public and doesn’t offer it.  I can get rid of her but assume I’ll just get the same thing next time and have to do it all again.  Any ideas?

Dear MF Theresa:

Yep I have some ideas but you may not want to hear them…..but here goes.  So what if she has the attitude ‘it’s just a job’ provided she’s doing a good to excellent job.  If not, then she needs to go, the sooner the better!   I’m not sure of her role / responsibilities but based on the fact that she does not share in the ownership of the company tells me her position does not warrant it. 

Not all employees have this opportunity…..so my question is.  If she works hard and continues to grow and take on more responsibilities is there opportunity for her to gain some ownership?  I think she needs to be fully informed of this so she can make the best decision possible for herself.  I’d also want to know wasn’t this covered with her when she was hired?  Why is it an issue now?

I’d make sure that all new hires are fully aware of this so it doesn’t become an issue later on.

Pressley Carson