Maximizing Talent: A Guide to Finding and Empowering Underutilized Staff
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Ever walk into your office—or hop on a Zoom call—and feel like something’s just… off? Your team’s Ever walk into your office—or hop on a Zoom call—and feel like something’s just… off? Your team’s checking boxes and hitting deadlines, but the vibe’s flat. You can almost sense there’s more to your people than what’s showing up.
At ProHance, we’ve seen this a lot, teams full of underutilized employees who could be game-changers if only someone gave them the chance. Unlocking that workforce potential isn’t just a nice idea—it’s the key to turning your team into a powerhouse.
In this post, we share a down-to-earth guide to spotting those hidden talents, firing up employee morale, and cranking up productivity. Plus, we’ve tossed in an FAQ section to tackle the questions we hear most often. Let’s get to it and help your team shine.
The Real Cost of Missing Talent
Let’s talk straight: only 23% of workers worldwide are actually engaged at their jobs. That means three out of four people are either phoning it in or totally checked out. And it’s very expensive. Disengaged employees cost the world $8.8 trillion in lost productivity. That’s 9% of global GDP gone. Poof.
Underutilized employees are often part of that 77% who aren’t engaged. They’re not lazy; they’re just stuck. Maybe they’re doing grunt work when they could be solving big problems. Or they’re quietly killing it but haven’t gotten a shot to lead. Ignoring them is like leaving a winning lottery ticket in your desk drawer.
But here’s the good part: when you get your team engaged, the wins pile up. Highly engaged crews bring 21% more profit, 17% better productivity, and 41% less absenteeism. So, how do you find these folks and light a fire under them? Here’s what I’ve learned from years of watching teams come alive.
Step 1: Spotting the Overlooked
Finding an underutilized employee isn’t like finding a needle in a haystack—it’s more like noticing the quiet kid in class who’s secretly a math genius. They’re not always obvious. Here’s you can spot them:
- Look for the wrong fit. Is someone in a role that doesn’t let them flex their best skills?
- Notice the quiet ones. If someone’s barely chiming in during meetings or seems to be just getting by, they might be bored because their employee role doesn’t spark joy.
- Have real talks. Grab a coffee (or a virtual one) and ask, “What do you love doing that you’re not doing here?” You’ll be amazed at what people share.
- Lean on data. Tools like ProHance can show you who’s acing certain tasks but could do more. It’s like a treasure map for talent.
Step 2: Getting the Team Pumped
Once you’ve found your hidden stars, you’ve got to get them excited about work again. Boosting employee morale is like watering a plant—it brings them back to life. Here are our favorite employee engagement strategies:
- Say thanks—and mean it. A quick “You nailed that!” in a team huddle can make someone’s day. Point out exactly what they did right so they know you see them.
- Give them a challenge. Offer a new project or a chance to learn something cool. I’ve seen people go from meh to motivated when they get to try something new.
- Make it safe to speak up. Let your team know their ideas won’t get shot down. When people feel heard, they start bringing their A-game.
- Celebrate the small stuff. Finished a tough task? Learned a new trick? Give a high-five or send a quick note. It keeps the energy up.
We once saw a manager turn a grumpy team around by starting every meeting with a “what went well” moment. It felt awkward at first, but soon everyone was sharing wins, and the mood shifted. Little things add up.
Step 3: Kicking Productivity into High Gear
Empowering your team isn’t just about good vibes—it’s about improving employee productivity and getting stuff done. Here are our tried-and-true ways to increase employee productivity:
- Put people where they shine. Use tools like ProHance or a simple skills quiz to match folks with tasks they’re great at. A people-person shouldn’t be stuck in a cubicle all day.
- Be clear about goals. Make sure every employee role has a purpose and a finish line. Clear expectations help people focus.
- Hook them up with tools. Give your team tech that makes work easier. ProHance can help you figure out who’s swamped and who’s got room to take on more.
- Let them own it. Give folks some freedom to tackle tasks their way. It’s amazing how creative people get when you loosen the reins.
Fun fact: Gallup says 32% of hybrid workers and 29% of remote workers feel engaged, compared to just 21% of on-site folks. Flexibility seems to help. If your team’s scattered, tools that keep everyone in sync are a must.
Step 4: Keeping the Good Times Rolling
Tapping into workforce potential isn’t a one-off—it’s a lifestyle. Here’s how to keep your team thriving:
- Never stop learning. Share free webinars, YouTube tutorials, or in-house training. People who feel like they’re growing stick around.
- Shake things up. Let folks dip their toes in other projects. It’s a great way to find hidden skills and keep work fresh.
- Check in on roles. As your team grows, their employee role might need a refresh. Make sure their job still fits who they are.
- Keep the convo going. Ask for feedback regularly—surveys, chats, whatever works. It shows you care and keeps you in the loop.
I know a company that started a “try a new role” day, where people swapped jobs for fun. They found a warehouse worker who was a natural at sales. Crazy, right? Experiments like that can uncover gold.
Why Is It Worth It?
When you lift up underutilized employees, it’s like dropping a pebble in a pond—the ripples spread. Engaged people don’t just work harder; they make everyone around them better. They pitch wild ideas, tackle problems with enthusiasm, and make work feel less like… work.
And the numbers don’t lie: engaged teams boost profits by 21%, productivity by 17%, and cut absences by 41%.
ProHance digs into the data to show you who’s ready for more and how to make it happen. But it’s not just about numbers—it’s about knowing your people, cheering them on, and giving them room to grow.
Your Next Step
Ready to find your team’s hidden stars? Pick one person this week. Ask them what they’re good at or what they’d love to try. Peek at ProHance to see where they’re shining (or not). And show them you’re in their corner.
Underutilized employees are your secret weapon. Spot them, lift them up, and watch them transform your team into something unstoppable. Go get those wins!
FAQs
How can I tell if someone’s underutilized?
Look for folks who seem bored, are stuck in the wrong role, or have skills you’re not using. Quiet workers who do good work but don’t stand out are often a clue. ProHance can help you spot them with data.
What’s the easiest way to boost morale?
Start with a genuine thank-you. Then ask what gets them excited. Everyone’s got something that lights them up—find it.
Are remote workers underutilized too?
Yup. But 32% of hybrid and 29% of remote workers are engaged, versus 21% on-site. Give them roles that fit and tools to stay connected.
How often should I check for underutilized staff?
Every few months is good. Quick chats or a tool like ProHance can keep you in the know.
What if I can’t afford fancy training?
No worries. Try free online resources, peer coaching, or small projects that stretch their skills. It’s more about opportunity than cash.
Learn how ProHance can help
Anshul Jain
As Head of Marketing for ProHance, Anshul spearhead global marketing initiatives, championing product promotion, brand awareness, and engaging communications. He indulges his passion for writing, crafting captivating content that resonates with our audience whenever possible.
