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The Costliest Part of a Bad Hire Isn't What You Think

Survey: CFOs Say Lower Staff Morale and Productivity Are the Biggest Pitfalls of Poor Hiring Decisions

TORONTO, Dec. 4, 2014 /CNW/ - As expensive as it is to replace a bad hire, the money isn't what concerns employers most. In a Robert Half survey, chief financial officers (CFOs) said the single greatest impact of a poor hiring decision is lower staff morale (41 per cent), followed closely by lost productivity (34 per cent). Monetary costs came in third, garnering 19 per cent of the response.

The survey was developed by Robert Half, the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm, and conducted by an independent research firm. The survey is based on interviews with more than 270 CFOs from a random sample of Canadian companies.

CFOs were asked, "Which one of the following, in your opinion, is the single greatest impact of a bad hiring decision?" Their responses:

Lower staff morale

41%

Lost productivity

34%

Monetary cost

19%

Other/don't know

6%


100%

"In the current hiring environment of talent shortages, employers may feel pressured to cut corners in order to speed up the hiring process," noted Greg Scileppi, president of Robert Half, International Staffing Operations. "Although acting with a sense of urgency is important, following a clearly defined hiring process and using the right resources can help prevent unnecessary headaches often associated with rushed decisions. Engaging experts such as human resources professionals and recruitment specialists can help substantiate the process of following through with reference checks and ensuring that candidates not only have the technical expertise needed to fulfill the role, but that they are also a cultural fit for the organization."

"A bad hiring decision can often cause a negative ripple effect through the organization," added Scileppi. "Hiring a bad fit or someone who lacks the skills needed to perform well has the potential to leave good employees with the burden of damage control, whether it be extra work or re-doing work that wasn't completed correctly the first time. The added pressure on top performers could put employers at risk of losing them, too."

About Robert Half
Founded in 1948, Robert Half is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm. The company has more than 340 staffing locations worldwide and offers online job search services on its divisional websites, all of which can be accessed at roberthalf.ca. Follow Robert Half on Twitter at twitter.com/RobertHalf_CAN or visit blog.roberthalf.com for additional career and management advice. 

SOURCE Robert Half Finance & Accounting

For further information: Naz Araghian, 416.865.2140, naz.araghian@roberthalf.com