How can employers improve retention, engagement amid 'job scrolling'?
Employees are spending their workdays casually browsing for new work on job posting sites in a new practice that could potentially escalate to turnover, according to a new report.
Careerminds dubbed the practice as "job scrolling," derived from the 21st century habit of "doomscrolling," when people obsessively browse on social media or news feeds.
In this case, employees are "job scrolling" as a form of coping mechanism to ease anxiety about an uncertain job market, Careerminds noted.
Addressing 'job scrolling' at work
The practice of "job scrolling" can show up in various and subtle ways in the workplace, according to Amanda Augustine, Certified Professional Career Coach at Careerminds.
This includes being less engaged in day-to-day interactions and becoming less interested in long-term initiatives.
Employees who "job scroll" also become more active on LinkedIn, start paying closer attention to company policies and benefits, as well as reporting changes in their schedule.
But Augustine clarified that "job scrolling" employees do not want to leave an organisation overnight.
"Most employees don't want to leave," she said. "But when people can't see a future for themselves within the organisation, or they don't feel secure in their role, they naturally begin exploring what other options might be available."
There are different ways to maintain engagement and retain employees in the wake of "job scrolling," according to Augustine. This includes talking about career growth before employees start looking elsewhere and helping them find opportunities within the company.
"Career conversations shouldn't be reserved for annual performance reviews," she advised. "Employees need regular opportunities to discuss their goals, explore future opportunities, and understand what growth could look like within the organisation."
Employers should also invest in meaningful development opportunities, and give employees greater ownership over their work.
"People are more likely to stay engaged when they feel connected to the work they're doing and understand the impact they're making," she added.
It is also important that employers remain transparent even during periods of change, especially in the wake of rising uncertainty due to AI and economic challenges.
"When uncertainty increases, employees naturally begin looking for reassurance," Augustine advised.
"Managers don't need to have all the answers, but clear and honest communication can go a long way towards building trust and reducing unnecessary anxiety."
