My landscape guy lost his wife. It was sudden. She had a stroke and died about a week later. Naturally, he couldn’t cut the grass. No problem, take as much as time you need. That was about 6-7 weeks ago. First, it was after the funeral then after the memorial service. And now he needs some time off. I felt bad naturally. I am cutting grass waiting for him to return. After 3-4 weeks, I found myself less sympathetic tho. I know death is hard, I know I can’t expect him to recover within a few weeks. But I don’t know him that well. I never met his wife. He is new, started this season. How much time is reasonable to allow him to return for work before firing him? I would hate to fire him but I am getting tired of cutting the grass.
I would talk to him. “I’m really sorry about the loss of your wife, but I need someone to cut my grass. Will you be able to do it now, or is it better for me to find someone else?” It doesn’t have to be complicated.
I said that a few weeks ago. He asked for a little more time. He is in a bad shape. I am afraid he will be erratic if I ask him to come back or else. He will cut one week and skip next, etc. I will have to pitch in frequently. Not what I want to do.
If he was doing a decent job, I’d try to be compassionate. I assume you aren’t paying him when he doesn’t cut the grass as he’s not an employee? I’d hire someone else temporarily and let the grieving guy know that when he’s ready to get back to work to let you know then switch back. It’s not that hard here to get added to someone’s lawn mowing schedule, even on a short term basis.
If your area is being affected by the drought and heat like mine, the grass isn’t needing cuts as much as normal this summer anyway.
I can’t hire anyone temporarily. I tried. No, he wasn’t an exemplary worker before the tragedy. I was going to keep him for the season but not renew next year. Now I feel like I am ditching him when he is already down.
Who do your neighbors use and have you tried contacting those companies? Unless your yard is huge, if they are servicing a neighbor, it is really easy to add an adjacent client.
If he wasn’t doing a great job anyway, might be best to just move on. You’ve given him almost 2 months which has been gracious.
I feel bad for the guy, but I’d find a new person. I have a sinking suspicion that there will be excuses all season.
Tell him you are sorry but decided to go in a different direction. He will probably be relieved
My neighbors use big companies. I used to use them. They don’t do temporary. My best bet is a college kid home for summer. None available.
@deb922 I am afraid you are right. I guess it’s best to be straight with him and tell him I am looking for an alternative as painful as that may be.
He can’t possibly think he will retain customers not working for 2 months. Find someone new.
On the other hand, you told him “take as much time as you need.”
Probably not necessary but if you wanted to lessen the blow as you tell him you are going to make another choice you could give him a couple of weeks of pay (what he would normally charge) for transition time - even though he hasn’t been cutting. Just a thought - not sure if I would do this myself, but a thought!
Does this service operate in your area? https://www.plowzandmowz.com/
@Nrdsb4 I know I said that but reasonable people would assume it doesn’t mean unlimited. I assumed he would be back within a month. We are getting onto a third month in a week or so.
@abasket I paid him monthly. This happened in mi-May. He had cut, I think, twice in May. he got pain for full month. I got overly generous. I was shocked, I guess.
Do you have the neighbor nextdoor app? Post a request for recommendations for lawn service.
Replace him.
Is TaskRabbit in your area?
I think it’s fine to hire someone else for the rest of the season and re-evaluate later. I’d start with other companies you see working your neighborhood.
I really do agree that you should replace him. When you own a small business, you are responsible to your clients, whatever happens. I’ve had to work while my son was in the hospital and after my nephew passed away. Our customers were understanding, but they still needed work done. They would have replaced us if we couldn’t respond quickly.
When my lawn guy couldn’t mow, he sent his dad to do it to keep his business going. And no, he’s not an employee, in the technical sense since I’m assuming you aren’t withholding taxes, etc.
In my company people get 3 days off paid for death in the family. No one has needed more, but I’d deal with that on a case by case basis, but no, they wouldn’t get unlimited leave.
@Iglooo, Here are some thoughts from my widowed perspective.
Grief is a strange animal that is so very individual.
I think I would reach out, ask how he is doing (but don’t particularly believe that what he tells you is the whole truth), and ask if he has a recommendation for someone who could fill in during his absence.
Sometimes, having another party initiate the contact, and knowing he is missed and needed, can be a strong motivator.
If your inquiry doesn’t get you a recommendation, or motivate him to come back, then at least he will know that you are looking.
I can’t imagine the feeling of finally motivating oneself to get back out there and find you had been replaced.
Would he really think that after not showing up for two months? Shouldn’t he think to motivate himself to look for another job? He is probably letting a lot of things go at the moment. I can’t be the one holding him up. I barely know him. I wish him well but I need to move on however harsh it may seem.