Job rotation in the workplace is frequently called cross training as a form of on-the job training. Some experts define job rotation as a lateral transfer of workers. Most often, employees are placed in a number of peer-type job positions and assignments within certain job descriptions that require different responsibilities and skills; and there are no changes in their salaries or rankings.Many
. experts on executive development and management have described experience on the job through work rotations as a qualitative tool for training managers that spell advantages for companies and employees.How does job rotation benefit a company? Corporate consultants relate that job rotation jumpstarts the powerful tool of experience for training managers. Managers who have a clear understanding of the academic and social research aspects behind effective management are aware of the very relevant and practical nature of employee development. A worker learns most effectively through efforts and even discomforts in real job situations, not in a classroom.According to the book " Leadership Pipeline" by Ram Charan, executives use job rotations to build a pipeline that leads to a solid, viable workplace. Companies are enabled to stand strong as leadership-powered organizations. Business leadership in operation at every level of a company's functioning is an absolute requirement for company survival and progress.Human resource consultants observe that fatigued workers, employee burnout and boredom from repetitive tasks can wreak havoc on productivity. So they recommend frequent job rotations soon after hiring employees, with adequate break-in time, to put orientation, motivation and evaluation of job placement strategies in optimal, workable modes. As a result, the quality and rate of productivity are increased.Statistically, employees are more satisfied; and, often, injury rates are lowered with job rotations. For example, the need for an employee to repetitively use certain muscle tendons to perform a task over a long period of time can result in carpal tunnel syndrome. Rotating the employee to other job positions, not requiring the constant use of the same muscular activities, can relieve the employee and possibly prevent worker's compensation claims for job injuries, medical care and wage replacement if the employee is too ill to work.What are advantages of job rotation for employees?A company's decision to implement a job rotation system is an opportunity for workers to learn by doing. Employees acquire knowledge from fellow workers, experiencing genuine on-the-job hardships and sharing in successes.Employees are exposed to a more in-depth analysis of the " who, what, why, when and where of a job position. They get to know about various phases of the business. For example, employees can learn step-by-step the required actions and details that go into creating a product or service. They understand how their own efforts affect quality and efficiency in productions, time management and customer service. They gain hands-on knowledge of how each member of the team contributes to a project. In a grassroots way, workers can figure out: what they like and dislike about a position; the kinds of people with whom they work best; what makes them angry; and possibilities for earning more money.More reference links: http://www.humtech.com/opm/grtl/ils/ils1.cfm http://tutor2u.net/business/people/motivation_financial_jobrotation.asp
