What to Do When You Lose a Top Performer

By Published On: April 15th, 2025

Losing a top performer can feel like a punch to the gut. Whether they were a pillar of your technical team, a key player in your accounting department, or your go-to problem solver during crunch time, their departure leaves a gap that’s more than just a vacancy—it’s a disruption to your business, your team dynamic, and your momentum. 

And unfortunately, it’s a common occurrence. Research shows that top performers are not only 400% more productive than average employees, but in highly complex roles—like software engineering or forensic accounting—that productivity gap can widen to 800%. Their loss is felt fast and hard. 

The Real Cost of Delay 

When a key employee leaves, there’s usually a scramble: redistribute their workload, cover client responsibilities, and somehow keep operations moving. But the longer a role stays open, the more it costs. According to recent data, the average time to hire in the U.S. is 44 days—and for executive or specialized technical roles, it can stretch past 120 days. 

If you’re in the middle of a busy accounting season or a software deployment, even one week of disruption can derail timelines, increase team burnout, and ultimately damage your reputation with clients or stakeholders. 

Enter Tamarack: Speed Meets Precision 

That’s why so many companies turn to Tamarack Recruiting when they’re facing a hiring emergency. Our search process is designed for speed and accuracy, delivering high-quality candidates in just five to seven business days. No generic resumes. No wasted interviews. Just the kind of people you’d want to hire—and fast. 

Here’s how we do it: 

  • Collaborative sourcing: We involve hiring managers early, so we understand the nuances of the role, team culture, and performance expectations. 
  • Targeted outreach: Our recruiters tap into a vetted, curated network of professionals who are ready to make a move. 
  • Streamlined vetting: Every candidate we submit has been thoroughly screened, so you’re not spending time on resumes that won’t convert. 

A Game-Changer for Tech Teams 

In tech, delays cost more than time—they can cost entire product launches. When a senior developer or systems architect leaves during a critical sprint, the loss of institutional knowledge and project continuity can snowball. Tamarack’s ability to deliver skilled professionals in under a week helps companies maintain velocity without compromising on technical depth or team cohesion. 

A Lifeline During Busy Season 

The same is true in accounting and finance, especially during year-end close, audit season, or tax time. Losing a senior accountant or controller when deadlines are tight can be disastrous. But with Tamarack, clients have replaced key team members mid-season and still delivered for their clients. We understand the urgency, and we act accordingly—with qualified, ready-to-hit-the-ground candidates who don’t require months of onboarding. 

Don’t Panic. Partner Up. 

Yes, losing a top performer is tough. But it doesn’t have to throw your business into chaos or force you to lower your standards. With Tamarack Recruiting, you don’t have to settle for “available now” candidates who barely meet the job requirements. You get the right person, fast—so your team can keep winning. 

Need a critical hire, like, yesterday?
Let’s talk. Tamarack is ready to respond, reduce your time to hire, and help you come out stronger than before. 

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