Is it Engel & Volkers' obligation to hire employees or other staff members for the franchisee?
Engel_Volkers Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
chise Agreement, Section 4.)
- (4) Provide access to the Engel & Völkers System and international network. (Franchise Agreement, Section 5.1.1.)
- (5) Provide training courses for you and your staff members, but it is your sole obligation to hire your employees or other staff members.
Source: Item 11 — FRANCHISOR'S ASSISTANCE, ADVERTISING, COMPUTER SYSTEMS, AND TRAINING (FDD pages 43–54)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Engel & Volkers' 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Engel & Volkers is not obligated to hire employees or staff members for the franchisee. While Engel & Volkers offers training courses for franchisees and their staff, the responsibility of hiring personnel rests solely with the franchisee. Engel & Volkers may offer continuing education for staff members but will not assist in the hiring process.
This means that prospective Engel & Volkers franchisees must independently manage their staffing needs, including recruitment, interviewing, and hiring. Franchisees should be prepared to allocate resources for these activities. Engel & Volkers' focus is on providing the system, training, and support for running the business, but the franchisee is responsible for building their team.
This arrangement is typical in the franchise industry, where franchisees are generally considered independent business owners responsible for their own operational decisions, including staffing. Franchisees benefit from the brand recognition and system provided by Engel & Volkers, but they also bear the responsibility for managing their own workforce.