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Do we need to recruit?

n We appear to have a vacancy, but are the team coping without any
loss of motivation, productivity or morale?

n A team member is leaving, but could we streamline systems or
redistribute tasks among the team and still get the work done to
standard and on time?

n Some people appear to be overloaded, but are there others with too
little to do?

n Do we have a bureaucratic approach to responsibility that denies
people the opportunity to make the contribution that they could
and would make if they were allowed? (This may seem to be a
somewhat odd question, but in many firms that I have advised over
the years people with some or even considerable free time have
declared time and time again that they would willingly help their
colleagues, but management insists that they stick to their
knitting even when they have neither wool nor pattern. So massive
potential productivity is lost and the overwhelmed become
increasingly dispirited as they see their colleagues with little to fill
their time. As those who need the help suffer from the form of
stress that we call “burn out”, those who might help to solve their
problems suffer from an equally dangerous type of stress that we
call “rust out”.)

n There is a backlog of work, but is the most economic solution to
bring in temporary staff to clear it?

n We have created a new responsibility, but could a member of the
team fill it?

n Specialist expert knowledge is needed, but would a consultant or
external advisor be the best and cheapest solution?

n We appear to need someone, but is the value of their contribution
going to outweigh the total costs of recruitment and employment?

n I want to enhance the scope and size of my team, but am I
planning to meet important company needs or am I thinking of
empire building?

Why do we need to recruit? – job purpose

If a firm is to recruit, equip, train and pay an employee that is a major
investment. If the selection process is inappropriate or if the good
employee is not retained and used effectively the cost is massive. Before
considering the investment ask:

n Why is the company prepared to spend this money?

The best use of the best people 35