While in most cases the word “gig” refers to informal jobs you do on the side, companies can also take advantage of gigs to develop the talents of their employees and expand their capabilities. Keep reading to learn more about internal gigs, from their benefits to how to implement them safely using background screening.
What Are Internal Gigs?
Internal gigs refer to short-term projects or assignments that an employee takes on within their organization. These gigs are like side hustles or freelancing projects that an employee can work on apart from their regular job responsibilities in order o develop new skills.
Internal gigs could involve taking on a project that is outside of an employee’s usual work scope, working on a project with a cross-functional team, or even stepping up to take on a leadership role for a short time..
Agile and Flexible Work Culture
Internal gigs can help create an agile, flexible, and collaborative culture within the organization. With a growth mindset and an attitude of continuous learning, employees can work with different teams, gain exposure to different projects, and develop skills beyond their job description. This builds a sense of collaboration and belonging, encourages knowledge-sharing, and fosters innovation.
Employee Engagement and Retention
Studies have shown that internal gigs can have a positive impact on employee engagement and retention. When employees are given the opportunity to work on something different and challenging, they are more engaged, productive, and motivated. This leads to higher job satisfaction, more loyalty to the organization, and lower attrition rates.
Cost Savings
Internal gigs can help employers save money, especially in times when outsourcing or hiring new employees might not be financially feasible. Instead, companies can leverage their existing talent pool and assign them to gigs that need attention. This can also help companies optimize their resources more effectively and efficiently.
Skills Development
Internal gigs offer an opportunity for employees to develop skills that are relevant to their career growth, but may not be part of their everyday work. This can help employees stay motivated and focused, leading to increased productivity and innovation in the long run. Additionally, by investing in the skills development of their employees, companies can shape a future-ready workforce and stay competitive in an ever-changing job market.
Internal Gigs and Background Screening
As we have mentioned in previous post, background screening goes beyond helping you identify great potential employees. The background screening process is ongoing, ever-evolving, and with positive effects throughout your organization, including internal gigs.
On the one hand, just as background screening helps mitigate external risks by ensuring the suitability of new hires, it can also help manage internal risks.
For example, if an employee is taking on an internal gig that requires handling sensitive information or financial transactions, a company may choose to conduct a background check to ensure the employee does not have a history of fraudulent activities.
Background screening can also play a role in career development for internal gigs. For instance, an employee might need certain qualifications for a particular role. A background check can verify whether they have these qualifications, helping both the employee and employer make informed decisions about career progression.
Wrapping It Up
The use of background checks for internal gigs should be handled carefully. Companies must ensure they’re following all relevant laws and regulations, particularly around privacy and discrimination.
That’s why partnering with a knowledgeable and dependable background screening company like Plexus Global is key. Contact us today to learn more about or services and start hiring safely with knowledge.
Plexus Global: Background Screening Services in California and Beyond
Plexus Global is a California-based background screening company serving organizations all over the U.S. and abroad.
Contact us today by telephone (844-516-1008), email (sales@plexusglobalinc.com), or through our social media accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
