Are Your Top Employees Who You Think They Are?

When you look around the company, how do you identify your top employees? Chances are you look first to the ones who have:

  • Been with you the longest?
  • A proven success record and who have worked hard for your company even during tough times in their own lives?
  • High productivity?

But consider this – that within your observation exercise, you might just stumble across a hidden secret, which is that your most productive employees might actually not be your employees.

I am referring to on-hire employees; contractors and temporary staff who have a reputation for often outperforming permanent employees.

Not convinced? Read on for some compelling facts.

I like to prove it, prove it.

On-hire workers are often praised for higher output for one simple reason; they’ve got something to prove.

They don’t have a permanent job where they can grow comfortable or possibly complacent over time; instead, they’re out to prove that they can accomplish something big or complete with utter proficiency.

Whether it’s the addition of another achievement description on their resume, a deep desire to stand out as a high performer, or perhaps to be considered for a permanent position within your company – these people are out to prove something and are often able to tap into higher levels of motivation, particularly over the duration of a contract or assignment.

Focus. Focus.

Typically, permanent employees face various distractions in the workplace every day. Catching up on conversations being carried on with one another, long cups of coffee, ‘just stopping to chat’ and juggling a range of projects that pop up at any given moment – it all leads to higher levels of distraction.

By contrast, your on-hire workers have fewer relationships within the workplace. In many instances you will have engaged a contractor to work on a specific project which means their focus is tight and narrow. They are less likely to become distracted as they work towards completing the specifics of the contract to deadline which in turn, leads to higher levels of workplace productivity.

Outside Perspective.

As outsiders, the on-hire contingent bring the added benefit of ‘a fresh pair of eyes’ which has enabled many companies to solve problems in innovative new ways.

This fresh perspective can be enough to shake you out of a rut or offer an alternative solution to a problem that has been nagging at your business for a long time. They are less likely to get bogged down in office politics or internal debate and whilst significantly improving overall performance within the workplace environment, this outside-in perspective has even been known to transform organisations.

Flexibility.

Contract and temporary employees offer a great deal of flexibility for an organisation. From hiring the exact number of people, you need for a specific project and then finishing them up the moment the job is done, to removing the need to offer overtime or overworking existing employees, it’s about hiring specifically for the skills needed.

As well, less training is required to get up to speed with the latest software, hardware, or product information; temporary workers can be employed to help fill in space while employees are on leave which helps increase productivity throughout the organization.

As you continue to employ on-hire employees in your organisation, don’t be surprised if you discover a wealth of expertise sitting right under your nose; a highly motivated, proud and completion-orientated group of professionals whose sole aim is to efficiently and effectively ‘do the job at hand.’

Interested in exploring options? Contact Frog today to investigate the range of on-hire talent we have for long and short-term contracts.

Get in touch

Annie O'Keefe • July 11, 2020

Find out more by contacting one of our specialisat recruitment consultants across Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

Contact us

Share this article

Useful links

Search for jobs today

Got a vacancy?

What's happening in the market?

How do I prepare for my job interview?

Recent Insights

By Claire McNab May 26, 2024
In today's rapidly changing world, the call for environmental responsibility is louder than ever. With climate change looming as a critical global challenge, businesses are increasingly under pressure to play their part in mitigating its effects. One of the most significant ways they can contribute is by taking accountability for their sustainability practices, particularly in reducing carbon emissions.
By Esha Nischol May 19, 2024
In today's rapidly evolving landscape, automation is reshaping industries and transforming the way we work. While automation offers numerous benefits, including increased efficiency and productivity, it also presents challenges and uncertainties for the workforce. Understanding the opportunities and challenges of automation on employment is crucial for individuals and organizations alike as we navigate the future of work.
By Hamish Lamberton May 15, 2024
In recent years, the rise of remote work has revolutionized the way companies approach recruitment. With advancements in technology and a growing acceptance of virtual communication tools, many organizations are now embracing remote recruitment strategies to attract and hire top talent. In this blog post, we'll explore how companies are adapting to virtual hiring processes and the strategies they're employing to succeed in this new era of recruitment. One of the key challenges of remote recruitment is creating meaningful connections with candidates without the benefit of face-to-face interactions. To overcome this obstacle, companies are leveraging video conferencing platforms to conduct virtual interviews and assessments. These tools allow recruiters to assess candidates' communication skills, professionalism, and cultural fit, all while providing a more personal touch than traditional phone interviews. In addition to video interviews, companies are also utilizing virtual recruitment events to engage with candidates and showcase their employer brand. Virtual career fairs, networking sessions, and informational webinars allow companies to connect with a broader pool of candidates regardless of geographic location. By hosting these events online, companies can reach candidates who may not have been able to attend in-person events, thereby expanding their talent pool and increasing diversity. Another important aspect of remote recruitment is the use of technology to streamline the hiring process. Applicant tracking systems (ATS) and recruitment software help companies manage job postings, track candidate applications, and collaborate with hiring teams more efficiently. These tools automate repetitive tasks, such as resume screening and scheduling interviews, freeing up recruiters to focus on building relationships with candidates and making strategic hiring decisions. Furthermore, companies are investing in employer branding initiatives to differentiate themselves in a competitive talent market. Through social media, company blogs, and virtual office tours, organizations can showcase their company culture, values, and employee benefits to prospective candidates. By highlighting their unique selling points and demonstrating their commitment to employee satisfaction, companies can attract top talent and create a positive candidate experience. Finally, remote recruitment requires a strong emphasis on communication and collaboration among hiring teams. With team members working from different locations, it's essential to establish clear channels of communication and set expectations for roles and responsibilities. Regular check-ins, status updates, and feedback sessions ensure that everyone is aligned and working towards common hiring goals. In conclusion, remote recruitment strategies are becoming increasingly essential for companies looking to stay competitive in today's digital age. By embracing virtual hiring processes, leveraging technology, and prioritizing communication and collaboration, organizations can attract and hire top talent regardless of geographic location. As remote work continues to evolve, companies that adapt and innovate in their recruitment strategies will be best positioned to succeed in the future of work.

NZ's 2024 Employment

and Salary Trends Report

Salary trends, talent attraction and retention strategies

Request your copy
Share by: