When planning staffing and recruitment decisions at the beginning of the year, many employers face the question of whether strengthening the team requires hiring a new employee. Recruitment is often seen as a way to improve the situation and bring fresh energy into the team. In reality, however, a new hire does not solve problems that already existed within the team before their arrival.

Recruitment is a highly resource-intensive activity, and its success largely depends on the team the new employee joins. If a person does not feel supported within the team or struggles to find their place, they may want to leave at the first opportunity. Even when a new employee stays with the organization, they tend to adapt over time to the existing team’s working methods and attitudes. As a result, the employer’s initial hope that the new hire would bring a “fresh perspective” often remains unfulfilled.

Signs That Teamwork Is Not Functioning

As an employer, it is crucial to recognize when tensions or changes begin to appear within team dynamics. These issues directly affect both daily collaboration and the onboarding of new employees.

Potential Warning Signs

  • The team does not function as a unit; everyone looks out only for themselves
  • Competition exists between teams or individual team members
  • Conflicts and gossip are common
  • There is constant tension because problems are not openly discussed or resolved
  • The bigger picture and shared goals are not recognized
  • The team does not welcome new employees or support, train, or guide them
  • New employees are seen as competitors
  • There is a sense of inequality within the team
  • Motivation levels are low
  • Relationships between managers, owners, and employees are strained, and mutual trust is lacking
  • Shared values and principles are missing

In such situations, hiring a new employee is not a solution but rather a risk. It may deepen existing team problems and lead to unnecessary use of company resources.

When the Team Is Ready, Recruitment Succeeds

Effective recruitment starts with the team—not with a job advertisement. When a team functions cohesively and roles are clearly defined, it is much easier for a new employee to integrate into the organization and contribute meaningfully.

This also impacts the recruitment process as a whole. Decisions become clearer, expectations more realistic, and the entire process flows more smoothly, as recruitment is not burdened by the need to fix existing internal problems.

If you need support with recruitment, TeamCreator will assist you throughout the entire process. We bring together the right people and the right companies to ensure recruitment supports your team and business goals in the long term. Please contact us HERE.