At the rate we’re going, it seems like “quiet” may be our word of the year, with all of these new HR trends floating about. But however cliche the label is, quiet hiring has joined the ranks of quiet quitting and quiet firing and taken its place as the latest movement in the saga.
Quiet hiring isn’t necessarily a new thing – employers have been reskilling and hiring contractors for decades. However, it has seen a resurgence (and a new label) in recent months as organisations are tightening their belts in this uncertain market. Hirers are looking at ways they can utilise the talent they’ve already got on hand, or at the very least minimise the number of permanent hires they need to make.
The question is, is quiet quitting just another short-lived HR buzzword or a genuinely helpful business practice that’s here to stay? This blog explores this idea and provides some tips on how this quiet hiring can potentially benefit your organisation.
So What Exactly is Quiet Hiring?
Quiet hiring actually describes a strategy that some companies use to fill open positions or short-term skill gaps without making new hiring decisions.
This can involve working with contract workers or asking current employees to take on tasks outside of their job roles to get everything done. Note that it’s not about asking employees to take on two roles, but rather to temporarily shift focus as needed.
Quiet hiring can be an effective way for companies to fill open positions, retain high-performing employees, and increase productivity. However, to make quiet hiring work, it’s essential for companies to be transparent and communicate openly with employees about their priorities and why they are making the shift.
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Sign Up For FreeHow Does It Relate to Quiet Quitting and Quiet Firing?
Quiet hiring follows in the footsteps of quiet quitting and quiet firing, both of which are responses to the changing nature of work.
Quiet quitting is a phenomenon where employees intentionally do the minimum amount of work required to retain their jobs, highlighting the importance of creating a positive work environment that encourages employee engagement.
In response, quiet firing refers to a trend where employers try to remove unwanted or unproductive employees by making their work environment unappealing or unrewarding. The intention is to prompt these employees to quit, rather that having to overtly fire them.
Now quiet hiring has emerged as the latest trend, and for once it could be a positive way to navigate volatile conditions. Quiet hiring offers a cost-effective alternative by tapping into the existing talent pool within the organisation.
How can Quiet Hiring Benefit You?
If done ethically, there are many potential benefits to quiet hiring at your organisation.
Number one is that it can be an efficient and cost-effective way to fill open gaps without the risk of over-hiring. It also allows your organisation to pivot and be flexible by shifting employees around based on market demands. This approach can help companies leverage internal talent and avoid lengthy recruitment processes, leading to increased agility and better preparation for economic challenges.
From an employee perspective, quiet hiring can provide an opportunity to learn new skills on the job. This can help them avoid boredom and stagnation, while also positioning themselves for career growth and development.
Furthermore, quiet hiring these employees can help you to increase retention, engagement, and productivity. This is especially true when identifying employees who are already going above and beyond their job descriptions, and channeling this effort into a rewarding and fruitful area. Google is one company who does this with their quiet hiring strategy.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, quiet hiring can potentially save your organisation time, money, and resources while allowing for greater flexibility and the ability to pivot in response to changing market demands. This can help to make it through challenging economic times while avoiding burnout and employee turnover, in the process upskilling, engaging, and developing your team.
Overall, while implementing quiet hiring strategies may require careful planning and ethical considerations, the potential benefits for both employees and employers make it a trend worth considering.
