Merakyat.org – In the modern corporate landscape, there exists a curious phenomenon: employees who, on paper, work full-time but in reality, have little to nothing to do. Nate, an operations department employee at a major fintech company, exemplifies this trend. While he’s supposed to be working 40 hours a week, he often finds himself active for just an hour a day. The rest of his time? It’s spent on personal activities, from watching TV to handling household chores.
This isn’t an isolated incident. Many employees, from various sectors, find themselves in similar situations. Some, like Nate, don’t actively seek out this “jobless” status—it’s just the hand they’ve been dealt in the corporate game. For others, it’s a strategic choice, capitalizing on inefficiencies and gaps in management’s oversight.
But what does this mean for the broader work culture? Alison Green, a career expert, points out that such situations can breed resentment, especially if other colleagues are overburdened. It also raises questions about the competency of management. Are they unaware, or simply turning a blind eye?
Remote work has further blurred the lines. With no one physically overseeing their activities, it’s easier for employees to slip under the radar. Yet, as some point out, being in an office doesn’t guarantee productivity. Long before the rise of remote work, there were those who mastered the art of appearing busy while doing very little.
The reasons for these “jobless” roles are numerous. Sometimes, it’s due to technological advancements rendering certain tasks obsolete. Other times, it’s a result of poor management or hiring decisions. Regardless of the cause, the onus falls on the company and its leaders to address these inefficiencies.
However, not all see it as a problem. For some, like Tom, a sales employee, it’s an opportunity to navigate the corporate maze with minimal effort. He’s not concerned about the long-term implications, believing that as long as he remains amiable and meets the bare minimum requirements, he’ll continue to fly under the radar.
The world of the “jobless” employed is complex, with no easy solutions in sight. While some view it as a symptom of a broken system, others see it as a chance to live life on their own terms. As the corporate world continues to evolve, it remains to be seen how this trend will play out in the future.
