Impact of new hires is measured too early

Around three quarters of HR professionals worldwide measure the impact of new hires after 12 months to see the success of their recruitment process. According to the study (‘Understanding the race for impact: Global talent impact study’) there is a short term approach by employers when measuring the impact of new hires that could jeopardise long term strategic goals.

The study of 1,589 recruitment and talent professionals in the US, UK, France, Germany, Brazil, China, Hong Kong and Australia has shown that 46% thought that performance of new hires was the important measure of successful recruiting. Retention was after this with only 15%.

“There is a risk that talent and recruitment managers are neglecting the measurement of impact over the longer term and the insights that can be gained from this,” said the report. “A year can be a long time in business but if feedback on the recruitment process is based on the first year alone, then opportunities may be overlooked to recruit and develop talent that can add value over time, be promoted and potentially take on leadership roles.”

Despite the findings around measure of a new hires impact finding that they will have the most impact after been at the organisation for more than a year.

“Worryingly, 35 per cent of respondents admit that their organisations measure the impact of a new hire before they expect recruits to have made their greatest impact on the business,” the report continued. “While this focus helps ensure the recruitment process successfully fills the role with a competent candidate, it lacks a strategic approach.”

The report outlines that employee performance can be built on over a three year period as they gain experience and build skills and relationships. Yet as companies focus on short term impact this can hamper the growth of creativity and strategic agility.