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I used to let the guys use the tools at the weekends knowing they were getting used for homers until a set of hedge cutters came back broken I stopped it after that.
5 years is a long time and I would be telling them to get their own mower :)
We have had a 'don't ask' policy now for over 20 years, which the lads adhere to, it saves possible problems and awkward situations. I used to be very accommodating, but learned the hard way when we lent out a Haterette. A third party used it and popped in a long reach plug after he flooded it!
In your case Ray, it's a tricky situation. I would probably wait until you buy your next new mower, say you are not lending out a new machine and simply give him the old one to take away and use.
All good putting a stop to loaning out your tools however this is the same lad who you are going to ask to work late on occasions, do a weekend etc.
Its a bit of swings & roundabouts, Its been allowed bit hard to stop also after employing him for so long and him remaining you must have a good work relationship
+1
For 14 cuts a year, whats the point in being petty. You've a long-standing, presumably good employee and the relationship could be soured by this. If he was doing a number of gardens, it would be different.
Do you not think it depends on how many employees you have Geoff? One, not a real problem 3, 4, 5 and you start getting a turnover of staff and an "if he can why can't I" problem. We lost a Heavy Breaker like that - a newish guy borrowed it one weekend, then (supposedly!) lent it to a mate and soon after left and moved away.
I would say it's not about being petty, it's about being pragmatic. You need to put your business head on for these situations.
When you've £££'s invested in kit that needs to work on a reqular basis you can get seriously caught out when gear does not come back working, or worse does not come back at all. I'm not adverse to special requests for truely personal use but why should a business subside 'homers' ?
Well said Gary and Colin.
However, why not offer to swing by his house on your way back for the day and help him mow his own lawn? This way you keep an eye on your tools and also be seen to do him a favour.
I will no longer loan out any tools - had my fingers burnt too many times in the past.
Giving back to the employee is a great way of getting that wee bit extra out of them, does the fella tend to go that extra mile on the day he needs the machine?
I used to use the machines from my work but I started to get paranoid that someone would happen to it so over time I bought what I needed
I think one's initial position on the issue is dictated by who pays for the machine/fuel/repairs/depreciation :
Employers who foot the bill Vs Employees who use them ;)
Perhaps offer him 'Advantageous' hire rates
If its just his mum and he's also been doing it for a long time without issue its abit hard to go back on that now....
That said Id never allow more than someones OWN garden to be done with company tools.
I'd sack any staff using company gear for "homers" full stop - if they want to earn money self employed doing the job i employ them for - then they can go spend £15k on the tools to do the job.
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