My husband and I co own a small business.
The industry is personal services. Without getting too specific, think hair or tattooing.
Recently he got notice from one of the employees that she is quitting. She’s been with us for 6 years, but just finished her apprenticeship less than 2 years ago. Before her apprenticeship, she was working more of scheduling, cleaning, and selling products.
She gave us like 4 months notice, and that gives us time to at least start training someone else. But here’s the thing. She is already scheduled for a class pertaining to the industry that we’re paying for. It costs about $2k and the class takes place roughly two months before she leaves.
My husband asked if I think we should still pay for it, I said no because it’s an investment in an employee who will work for us. If we pay for it now, we’re investing in somebody else’s employee. He’s made up his mind he’s still going to pay for it because he doesn’t want bad blood, but I’m still annoyed. That’s money we can use for the business. Since him and I had a baby, I’ve really stepped back from working there, so I feel like he should have a final say.
But I’m still curious what other business owners think, what would you do?
I wouldn’t. You could offer to pay it put of her remaining wages if she’s into that, she might value something like that. But you’re not in the wrong for not paying it. Most company’s, depending on the size of the training, have clauses that the employee has to pay for the training if they quit within x months from taking it.