‘Hybrid’ jobs on the rise
Workers spreading skills across firms
JOBSEEKERS are being urged to take on contract work and spread their skills across a number of employers to combat the region’s unemployment rate.
Human resources and industrial relations consulting business John Hartigan and Associates director John Hartigan said small business budgets often restricted the hiring of fulltime staff.
“A small business often needs to employ skilled employees on an as-needed basis, often to the detriment of employees who may seek a long term career with just one employer,” he said.
“Where it is not possible to provide fulltime employment, we need to consider the virtues of a hybrid employment model.”
Danish national Krista Soerensen has embraced “hybrid” work while she waits for a permanent visa and offers online marketing and social media support for two businesses. While she would like a permanent job, the 27-year-old enjoyed the challenge of project work.
“It definitely benefits both the companies and the workers. There are a lot of ways to think about getting small projects done, and sometimes businesses don’t have time or commitment to put you on,” Ms Soerensen said.
“But you never really know how much money you’re getting in and then you don’t know if you’ll get another project or not.”
But Precruitment North Queensland manager Rona Horsfall was wary of recommending the strategy.
“I think more people choose to do that rather than take it up just because they can’t find a job,” she said. “But it’s not going to suit everybody.”
Cairns Chamber of Commerce chief executive Deb Hancock said hybrid employment was being discussed among members as a way to reduce underemployment and unemployment.