How to Recruit and Retain High Performers

Keeping high performers happy and engaged in the workplace is a challenge for companies recruiting these types of highly-motivated individuals.

Research suggests that high performers thrive in an environment that supports them, within a culture that appreciates and can sustain high performance.

In this blog, we look at what companies can do to retain high performers.

Develop an Open Environment

High performers are looking for an environment that allows them to be themselves and exercise their creativity and problem-solving skills.

An open, collaborative and trusted space will ensure that they have the autonomy and authority to continue performing in their roles and build innovation within the organisation.

To retain top performers, remove any barriers that can stifle and discourage them from giving their best – think office politics, hierarchy, red tape and bureaucracy. The more transparency and honesty, the better the chances to keep performers engaged at work.

Empower with Challenging Roles

Highly-driven employees will seek a job position that challenges their interests, provides them with learning and networking opportunities, builds their capabilities, and allows space for growth and career advancement.

High performers are interested in roles where they can use their leadership or mentorship skills, while still growing in their role and seeking a mentor to access more knowledge in their field of expertise.

Offer meaningful and challenging roles where these performers can contribute, excel in their skills, and go beyond their comfort zone. Forget about routine work. Give them leeway to come up with innovative solutions and their own initiatives.  

Respect and Reward Performance

High performers excel in companies that support and acknowledge their work and respect their choices and initiatives instead of blocking their progress path. It is why they prefer a more open and rewarding leadership that offers them visibility, trust and assurance.

Make a point to reward high performers in your organisation for their skills and capabilities and always show respect for their commitment and expertise.

Professional Sourcing is a top-tier South African-based recruitment agency operating internationally, IPM accredited, LEVEL 2 BEE RATED and 51% Black Owned.

Our agency specialises in professional placements (senior and specialist talent) and exclusive skills recruitment to a wide range of industries, including JSE’s top 100 companies, SMEs and the Public Sector.