Does your organization take a proactive approach to recruiting? Or is it playing defense when it comes to filling its critical roles?

A recent CareerBuilder survey of 2,201 hiring managers and human resources professionals found that only 38 percent of employers continuously recruit for positions. Of the HR managers who say they don’t continuously recruit, 46 percent blame time as the primary obstacle. Twenty-nine percent blame cost.

Ironically, these managers could be saving time and money by having better pipeline management processes in place. Of the 38 percent who do proactively recruit, 65 percent say the tactic shortens their time to hire, and 54 percent say it lowers their cost per hire.

One in five employers with extended vacancies cite revenue loss due to those vacancies, which can go unfilled for six months or longer on average. This can have a domino effect on a business: heavier workloads, decreased quality of work, decreased employee morale, higher turnover, delays in delivery of products and services, decreased customer satisfaction, and ultimately, loss of revenue.

Proactive recruiting does take an initial investment, says Rosemary Haefner, vice president of human resources at CareerBuilder, but “…companies that continuously recruit and build a pipeline of talent are able to significantly reduce their cost and time to hire.”

Kelly Services, a provider of workforce solutions, uses CareerBuilder’s Talent Network as part of its own continuous recruitment strategy. When building a pipeline, “Start small,” suggests Josie Huber, director of recruiting business solutions for Kelly Services. “You can’t pipeline for every position so focus on areas where you have a regular need for talent.” Or, consider using a staffing company as an access point to relevant talent networks.

Also, be candid with job-seekers whom you are considering for positions that aren’t yet open. Most will be in need of a position as soon as possible, so explain your goals—and that while you may not be recruiting for an immediate opening, they are in line for the next opportunity.