Many of our customers ask, “We really like the attitude section of the behavioral assessments. Can we give that to all of our existing staff?”
Great question! Let’s break down the reasons this assessment isn’t ideal for your current team, cover potential costs, highlight the challenges, and provide reputable sources so you can make the best decision for your organization.
Understanding the Purpose of the Assessment
Our negative attitude trait assessment is specifically designed for pre-employment scenarios. Its core objective is to identify potential risk factors—like persistent negativity or uncooperative tendencies—before someone joins your team.
Pre-hire assessments, particularly those based on personality traits, are most effective when predicting future workplace behavior and cultural fit during the recruitment process.
Why It Falls Short for Existing Staffs
Once staff are hired, you already have access to valuable real-world data: their on-the-job performance, peer feedback, and response to challenges. These insights are far more reliable than a one-time post-hire test.
Ongoing evaluations and coaching tailored to real-world performance are more effective for improving team dynamics and addressing concerns within the workforce.
Using a pre-employment tool on current staff might also send the wrong message. It can feel like a “gotcha” moment, potentially damaging trust and morale. Instead, fostering open communication and supportive leadership creates a more positive and productive environment.
Pricing and Costs
Pre-employment assessment tools are priced specifically for recruitment, often billed per candidate or as part of an assessment package. Applying the same tool post-hire may not only yield less useful results but also waste valuable resources.
Investing in initiatives like professional development workshops and coaching programs offers better ROI for existing staff. These methods can boost productivity and staff satisfaction without the risks associated with repurposing pre-employment tools.
Challenges and Alternatives
Challenges of Using the Test Post-Hire
- Limited accuracy: Real-world behaviors provide a clearer picture than hypothetical test predictions.
- Potential trust issues: Employees may feel the test signals distrust or scrutiny.
- Reduced ROI: Post-hire use of these tools often provides little actionable value.
Alternatives for Current Staff
- Regular Check-Ins and Feedback: Scheduled meetings provide insights into employee sentiment and performance.
- Professional Development Programs: Workshops or training sessions equip employees with tools to overcome negative patterns.
- Employee Engagement Surveys: These are cost-effective, encourage open dialogue, and provide actionable insights.
Comparison to Other Tools
Unlike pre-employment assessments, tools designed for existing employees—such as engagement surveys, 360° leadership assessment, or personalized coaching—offer more relevant and actionable insights. These approaches focus on building trust and collaboration rather than testing for hypothetical scenarios.
Tools designed specifically for employee development are better suited for fostering long-term professional growth and maintaining a positive work culture.
Reviews & Best Practices
HR experts and organizational psychologists consistently recommend continuous improvement strategies over post-hire personality testing. Combining real-world performance data, open communication, and evidence-based training is a more sustainable approach to managing and developing employees.
Our Advice
If you’re looking to address negativity or improve team dynamics, skip the pre-employment test for current employees. Instead, invest in strategies that yield meaningful insights and stronger relationships.
Consider coaching sessions, performance evaluations aligned with actual job duties, and employee-led growth plans. These approaches foster a culture of continuous improvement and yield better results than repurposing pre-employment assessments. Schedule a call with our assessment experts to explore further details on how you can utilize our solution.
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