Job Rotation

Job Rotation is a process of preparing employees at a lower level to replace someone at the next higher level. Job rotation is practiced in corporate sector to avoid boredom and complacency in employees. Companies practice it to train employees at various levels so that they can do varied jobs and can become good leaders. It helps in understanding problems faced by different level of employees and required improvements. Job rotation is practiced to enrich the knowledge and job of a worker.

There are few things which should be kept in mind before going for job rotation –


Job Rotation is a process of preparing employees at a lower level to replace someone at the next higher level. Job rotation is practiced in corporate sector to avoid boredom and complacency in employees. Companies practice it to train employees at various levels so that they can do varied jobs and can become good leaders. It helps in understanding problems faced by different level of employees and required improvements. Job rotation is practiced to enrich the knowledge and job of a worker.

There are few things which should be kept in mind before going for job rotation –

1)Plan everything in advance.
2)The employees going in for job rotation should be mentally and physically prepared or otherwise they will not work in newer condition’s.
3)Check the performance as well as qualification of worker so that the new environment suits him.
4)Non performers or poor and constant performers should be given extensive training before considered for job rotation.
5)Employees should be given training from time to time so that they can give good performance and the real purpose is fulfilled.
6)Employees should possess knowledge, skills and right attitude.

Job Rotation is mainly practiced to create multi tasking employees who can take the place of a retiring employee or an employee leaving the current job or enrich his current job. Internal hiring is always better to fill vacancy of higher level employees because they are well versed with the company’s corporate culture and working environment. They will need less training and will prove to be good performers. This will also save the cost incurred on hiring and training. Employees are transferred in the same company or in other branches offices in the local market or abroad so that they get well versed with the cross cultural employees and can work with them. Job Rotation is also practiced to give relief to employees. For example people working in night shifts are rotated with employees working in day shift so that they don’t get bored and stressed.

LG Electronics, IBM, TATA STEEL, Mc Donald are few companies which practice Job Rotation.
Things need to be planned in advance so that the outcome is good.

There are few Drawbacks of Job Rotation –

1)Rigid employees not ready for job rotation quits.
2)Adjustment problem in new job scenario with increased challenges and difficulties.
3)Adjustment problem with the timings if the company works in shifts.
4)Increased stress and peer pressure.

Company should be prepared for job rotation. Each and every aspect should be kept in mind whether big or small. With proper planning and regular training activities companies can successfully practice job rotation.

By Rashmi Priya

Also posted on – http://www.indcareer.com/article/job-rotation – A leading website with all career solutions.

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