One type of employee that is often overlooked are dubbed "essential experts." These workers typically have no interest in taking on management responsibilities. But the jobs they fill in research and development, technology and other areas are crucial to helping firms with strategy and product development.
'Customer Experience Creators' are another type of overlooked employee. Employees in customer service roles, including sales, customer contact centers and field service positions, are important because they engage the most with valued customers and help ensure that they stay loyal to the firm.
The final type of employee is known as the 'critical contractor.' While contractors are not employees, some are just as important in helping the firm with specialized skills in areas the firm lacks.
"None of these jobs are at the top of the org chart, and with the possible exception of some customer experience creators, the people who hold them aren't looking to move up in the organization," HBR reports. "Because these aren't management-track jobs, companies often overlook the importance of keeping high-performing people in them."