How Can You Avoid the Cost of a Bad Hire?

Hiring the right people is one of the most important decisions you can make in your business. A good hire keeps your operation running smoothly, helps your customers feel safe and valued, and strengthens your team. But a bad hire? That can cost you far more than just time and training. It can lead to poor service, unhappy customers, safety risks, and higher turnover – all of which hurt your bottom line.

In a hands-on, safety-driven industry like propane, hiring mistakes are more than just paperwork problems. The wrong person in the wrong role can lead to missed deliveries, equipment damage, or worse. That’s why it’s so important to slow down and get it right the first time. With a clear hiring process and a focus on long-term fit, you can avoid costly errors and build a team that helps your business grow stronger every day.

Know What You’re Hiring For
Before you post a job opening or start reviewing resumes, get clarity on what the role requires – the daily tasks, the skills needed, and the kind of person who will do well in the position. Whether you’re hiring a driver, technician, or office support, write down what success looks like in the first 90 days and beyond. This will help you ask better interview questions and avoid hiring someone who only looks good on paper but isn’t the right fit for the work ahead.

Don’t Skip the Background Checks
In the propane industry, safety is non-negotiable. That means you need to know who you’re bringing onto your team. Always check references and run background checks where needed – especially for roles that involve driving, handling fuel, or working with customer data. It’s better to take a few extra days to screen candidates properly than to deal with the fallout of hiring someone who creates problems that you could have avoided.

Focus on Attitude and Work Ethic
Skills can be taught, but attitudes are harder to change. In the propane industry, team members work closely together, help each other out in the field, and must deal with unexpected problems. You need people who are dependable, honest, and willing to put in the effort and be team players.

During interviews, look for signs of reliability and a teamwork mindset. Ask about how they’ve handled challenges in their past jobs. Someone who is eager to learn and work hard will likely bring more value to the position than someone with more experience but who has a poor work ethic or bad habits.

Give Realistic Job Previews
Sometimes people leave a job because it turned out to be different than they expected. Be honest about the demands of the role. Let candidates know what a typical day looks like, including any physical tasks, overtime needs, or customer service duties. If there are any concerning challenges that come with the job – and in the propane world, there are sure to be a few – be sure to mention those in the preview.

A transparent preview helps candidates self-select – and saves you the time and expense of hiring someone who might quit after a short time on the job. It also helps build trust early on by demonstrating that you are upfront and fair.

Provide a Strong Start
Hiring the right person is only the first step. You must also give them the tools, training, and support they will need in order to succeed. A rushed or disorganized onboarding process can leave new hires confused and unmotivated. Take time to walk them through safety procedures, company expectations, and who they should go to for help.

When employees feel welcomed and well-trained from day one, they’re more likely to stick around and perform well. That stability is worth every minute of preparation. Therefore, don’t underestimate the importance of getting your newly hired team members off to a great start beginning on day one.

Let Your Business Beware
Bad hires don’t just cost you money – they can damage your reputation, create stress for your team, and can put your business at risk in multiple ways. In a propane company, where safety, service, and reliability are key, the people you hire play a huge role in your success (or lack thereof).

By taking the time to hire carefully, train properly, and support your team consistently, you will do much to build a workforce that helps your business run stronger. The right employees will keep customers satisfied, protect your equipment, and represent your company with pride. And when that happens, everyone wins in the end – your business, your team, and your community.