So far, we have explored quiet quitting and quiet firing. There’s another phenomenon on the horizon called “quiet hiring.” It has been cited as one of the top workforce predictions for 2023.
What is it, and how will it shape the workforce?
Quiet hiring is when an organization acquires new skills without actually hiring new full-time employees. While it can refer to bringing on short-term contractors, it usually means giving current employees more responsibilities beyond their current job description. Some examples include moving to other positions or taking on different projects or job duties.
Why is it becoming more prevalent?
Organizations today face a competitive hiring landscape, a potential recession, and pressure to keep costs down. That means there is a struggle to find new talent while trying to retain top performers with in-demand skills. As a result, many organizations feel they need to get creative and are turning to quiet hiring to fill the gap.
How does it benefit employers?
Ultimately, quiet hiring is typically a good thing for organizations as it saves time, money, and resources. In short, it is an efficient, cost-effective way to fill skills gaps without hiring additional full-time workers. Upskilling internal talent is a part of this and will often result in increased retention, engagement, and productivity.
How does it impact employees?
It can certainly be a good thing, providing opportunities for employees to learn and grow. On the flip side, it may frustrate workers who don’t necessarily want to transition to roles that they may not be interested in. It can also be bad if workloads aren't managed, and employees end up trying to do too much. Finally, if employees are doing higher-level activities and are not compensated, they may end up becoming dissatisfied and disengaged.
In conclusion
Leveraging quiet hiring the right way can be an effective way to manage talent needs while keeping costs under control. However, keep in mind that it’s important to ensure that anyone you hire or entrust with new tasks and responsibilities is given the right training and professional development to get the most out of your time and financial investments. Proceed but with caution, keeping in mind the negative impacts that can occur mentioned above.
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