It sounds nuts: Giving your worst employees as much leeway to do their jobs as you give your best and brightest. But new research shows it can turn poor producers into more valuable assets.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University recently discovered that less valuable employees who’ve set up “deals” with their managers are not only more loyal, they become better contributors as well.
Some of the perks found to help turn “losers” around include:
- not giving them grief for showing up late
- granting them more workspace (or simply letting them choose where its located), and
- allowing them to duck out early to attend their children’s events.
In addition to making them more valuable contributors, perks like these were also found to make poor performers more accepting of the advice given to them from more senior co-workers.
Takeaway: Before giving up all hope on poor performers, try giving them a little leeway. It may help them strengthen their work ethic.
Do you think this would actually work to make poor performers more valuable? Would you consider trying this at your company? Share your opinions in the Comments Box below.
