What’s the Best Way to Deal with Unreliable Workers?

Unreliable workers can slow down jobs, hurt your reputation, and frustrate both you and your clients. Whether it’s workers showing up late, making careless mistakes, or disappearing when you need them most, dealing with them the right way is crucial.

Here’s how to handle unreliable workers effectively without disrupting your plumbing business.

01Identify the Root of the Problem

Before taking action, figure out why a worker is unreliable. Is it a one-time issue or a recurring problem?

• Common Reasons for Unreliability:
• Poor work ethic (constantly late, careless work)
• Personal issues (family problems, health, financial stress)
• Lack of training (making mistakes due to inexperience)
• Low motivation (not engaged in the job)

Example If a plumber is constantly making errors, they may need training, not a warning. But if they’re repeatedly skipping work, that’s a bigger issue.

02Address the Problem Immediately

Don’t ignore it or hope it gets better. Have a private, direct conversation and explain the issue.

• Be clear about what’s unacceptable (“You’ve been late 4 times this month.”)
• Ask for their side of the story (Maybe they have personal struggles)
• Give them a chance to improve (“I need you to be on time from now on. Can you commit to that?”)

Tip Always document the conversation in case the problem continues.

033. Set Clear Expectations & Consequences

Workers should know what’s expected of them from day one. If they don’t meet those standards, there should be consequences.

• Written policies – Attendance, work quality, behaviour.
• Verbal & written warnings – Start with a talk, escalate if needed.
• Performance tracking – Keep records of issues to spot patterns.

Example A worker who constantly calls in sick without proof should know that unjustified absences will lead to dismissal.

04Improve Your Hiring Process

If unreliable workers keep joining your team, you might be hiring the wrong people. Strengthen your hiring process to filter out bad workers early.

• Check references – Call their previous employer and ask: “Would you hire them again?”.
• Trial period – Before giving a full-time role, test them for a few weeks.
• Look for attitude, not just skills – A reliable worker can be trained, but a skilled but lazy worker is a risk.

Example If a plumber has changed five jobs in a year, that’s a red flag—they might not stick around.

05Improve Job Conditions to Keep Good Workers

Sometimes, workers become unreliable because they’re unhappy. If turnover is high, look at what you can improve.

• Recognise good work – A simple “Good job today” makes a difference.
• Pay fairly & on time – Late wages = workers looking elsewhere.
• Offer stable hours – Last-minute changes create frustration.

Tip If you take care of good workers, they’ll stay loyal and reliable.

06If Nothing Changes, Let Them Go

If a worker is still unreliable after warnings and second chances, don’t let them drag down your business.

• Set a deadline for improvement.
• Have a final conversation: “I’ve given you chances, but nothing has changed.”.
• Find a replacement before letting them go.

Example If an apprentice consistently shows up late despite multiple warnings, it’s time to replace them with someone who actually wants to work.

07Conclusion: Build a Reliable Team & Protect Your Business

Unreliable workers cost you time, money, and stress. The key is to identify the problem, address it early, set clear expectations, and replace bad workers if needed. Strong hiring, fair treatment, and a professional work environment will help you build a dependable team that helps your business grow.

Need help pricing your jobs correctly so you can hire and keep the best workers? SNZ Plumbing Estimating provides accurate estimates to keep your business profitable.

• why the cheapest estimate costs you most
• wage is not profit
• hydraulic estimating service
• how to win more plumbing tenders

08Related reading

• How Do I Keep My Team Motivated and Productive?
• How Do I Train Apprentices Without Losing Money?
• Should I Hire More Plumbers or Stay Solo?
• Should I Subcontract Plumbing Work or Keep Everything In-House?

Pricing a job with underground pipework?
The free bedding and spoil calculator handles the trench quantities most takeoff software leaves out.

We build the estimate: takeoff, labour, materials and overheads, itemised and ready for tender.