Quiet hiring: what it is and why it’s on the rise

In today’s fast-paced job market, companies are looking for new ways to remain competitive and adaptable without going through traditional hiring processes. This is where quiet hiring comes into play. Here’s what you need to know.

What is it?

Quiet hiring is also called silent hiring or stealth hiring. It involves assigning current employees new responsibilities or moving them into key roles without going through formal recruitment. It may also involve bringing in short-term contract workers or freelancers rather than hiring traditional, full-time employees.

Why is it becoming so popular?

Here are three key reasons many businesses are turning to quiet hiring:

Staffing shortages

Ongoing labour shortages and tighter budgets mean many companies can’t afford lengthy hiring processes or costly recruitment efforts. Quiet hiring offers a cost-effective alternative by utilizing the skills of their existing workforce.

Need for more agility

Quiet hiring allows companies to remain flexible. Whether they’re launching a new product, responding to market changes or filling unexpected gaps, this strategy allows organizations to reassign talent without the bureaucratic red tape.

Boosting internal talent and retention

Quiet hiring can also benefit employees. It gives employees opportunities to expand their skill sets and acquire new ones. Workers feel more engaged and motivated. It’s a smart way for employers to identify high-potential team members and improve retention, especially among younger workers.

In short, quiet hiring is more than a quick workaround; it’s becoming a core part of modern workforce strategy.