3 Red Flags Your New Hire Isn’t Working Out
Posted February 25th, 2020
When you bring on a new hire, you hope that they flourish. While many will do just that, there will be instances where it turns out your decision wasn’t the best. Maybe the employee isn’t reaching full productivity in a reasonable time or you start noticing issues that suggest they aren’t the ideal fit.
While most new workers need some time to get up to speed, there are signs that a new hire just isn’t going to work out. If you are wondering what to look for, here are three red flags that typically indicate a problem.
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- Attendance Issues
It’s true that every employee will be absent occasionally. While it’s possible that a new hire will become ill or experience an emergency early in their tenure, if attendance issues start to become a habit quickly, that’s not a good sign.
Arriving late several times during their first few weeks or repeated call-ins that aren’t tied to a provable incident could indicate a problem. Similarly, no-call/no-shows are a horrible red flag. It suggests they don’t care enough to make a suitable effort, even during the early days when they are making a first impression. Often, the situation won’t improve, and it may be safe to assume they won’t work out.
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- Refusal to Learn
A new hire should be enthusiastic about learning the nuances of their role or acquiring additional skills. After all, it’s a new job in a new environment, and most future top performers understand that they need to gain further knowledge to excel.
If a new hire isn’t interested in learning, it speaks poorly to their motivation. Plus, it hinders their team and the company, as it will cause them to lag behind and fail to meet expectations, possibly for the long-term.
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- Failure to Understand Basic Tasks
Every new employee will initially be nervous, and they may have to ask for help several times as they learn the ropes. Typically, after receiving a reasonable amount of guidance or training, they’ll start to get things down fairly quickly.
But if a new hire simply isn’t getting it after receiving suitable instruction repeatedly, that’s a red flag. It’s possible they don’t have the skills necessary to perform in the job. Plus, it’s a serious drain on your resources.
Dealing with a New Hire That Isn’t Working Out
If you have a new hire in your midst that doesn’t seem to be working out, it’s best to take action quickly. First, assess the situation to determine if there is anything you or the company needs to do to help them excel. Consider whether they were given appropriate training or if a corrective action plan could yield results. Ideally, you want to confirm that the issue can’t be remedied within a reasonable timeframe before taking other actions.
But, if the situation is irreparable, letting the employee go might be your best course of action. That way, you can work to refill the position with someone who can truly shine.
Hire Better Candidates with Bayside Solutions!
If you’d like to learn more about navigating hiring challenges, the staff at Bayside Solutions can help. Contact us to speak with one of our recruitment specialists today and see how our expertise can benefit you.
