The “Uber-fication” of work — and what it means for recruiters
The pandemic accelerated changes in our relationship with work and the role it plays in our lives. In many ways, we’re seeing an “Uber-fication” of work. People want to work when they want to work. They’re seeking job opportunities and employers that fit their lives rather than adapting their lives for a job. This means organizations need to think outside of the box when it comes to traditional employment models and schedules. In other words, take a more Uber-like approach when designing positions and shifts.
We’re experiencing a major shift in real-time. And it will fundamentally change how employers view, attract, and manage talent. Here’s what I mean: What if workers could access an app to find shifts that work within their life? Maybe the potential worker wants to pick up extra shifts beyond their current job. Maybe they’re looking for work that can flex around childcare or other caregiving responsibilities. Or maybe they want work that fits their skill sets but allows them “pick up and put down” work as desired.
Now, imagine a workplace marketplace that allows organizations to post open shifts and workers to self-select a shift. It could be similar to the model many school districts use to allow substitutes to self-select assignments that fit their qualifications and schedules. Several industries are ripe for this type of work/worker approach. Here are a few examples — and note that many include must-have onsite roles:
Restaurants: Yes, servers need to know the menu, but could you bring in servers or staff trained in other restaurants to supplement your regular staff by refilling drinks, cashing out checks, or delivering take-out orders?
Healthcare: Orientation is vital, but can it be condensed so that you can take on a nurse or care assistant who has experience in a similar type of unit or care profile to supplement your regular staff for a shift, lunch-break relief, or other areas?
Retail: Wouldn’t it help to bring in an extra stocker or someone to straighten your store as needed? This would keep your regular team focused on customer service and still get work done.
Instead of thinking “no one wants to work” when struggling to fill open positions, get creative to optimize the new attitudes about work and look for solutions that enable you to pick up additional help you need it.