This TRIPLE III TIME message is targeted to every employing business and organization… and inclusive of both the private and public sectors.  And as you read along, think about whether your Personnel Policy Handbook has a small section totally devoted to Job Shadowing?  In these times of worker shortages and the multiple efforts to identify new, good employees, consider how open your group is to allowing Job Shadowing?

I believe the simple action of offering Job Shadowing in your workplace is a totally over-looked opportunity by future job candidates and every employing organization.  Most people really have very little knowledge about what happens on a day-to-day basis and the production expectations of jobs in all fields of employment.  This knowledge/awareness gap is even magnified today given the heightened workplace health concerns and increased use of technology.

What am I recommending?  First consider the following questions:

• Do you/your company really, progressively employ Job Shadowing opportunities?
• Does your business have a written policy promoting it?
• Can you even name one (1) person as a past Job Shadowing example?
• Where do you promote/advertise that we (our organization) endorse Job Shadowing?
• Is our Job Shadowing policy open to everyone or maybe just high school and college students? (Why limited?)

Today I think all employers need to adopt a pro-active approach to Job Shadowing.  Do NOT wait to be asked if someone can job shadow in your workplace…ADVERTISE IT!  Also do NOT assume people know what work gets done inside your workplace… ACCURATELY TELL THEM.  Job Shadowing may be a key short and long-term recruitment benefit!