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What Are the Alternatives to Job Specialization?

Managers often break down jobs into small, repetitive tasks and assign them to their staff so that each person can specialize in one area. This approach is known as job specialization and may result in lower costs, shorter training times and greater efficiency. On the negative side, it may limit an employee's ability to learn new skills and perform other types of work outside his comfort zone, notes Monash University.


Job specialization has its perks, such as increased efficiency, but it can lead to boredom and stunt professional growth. Job rotation, job enlargement and job enrichment are more effective ways to motivate employees and help them excel in their roles.

There are smarter, better ways to encourage professional development in the workplace. As an employee, it's important to know your options when starting a new job. After all, you don't want to end up doing the same things, like flipping burgers or filing reports, over and over again. Below are some of the most popular alternatives to job specialization and what they entail.

Consider Job Rotation Programs

Abbott, Deloitte, Edelman, HSBC Holdings and other successful companies encourage professional growth through job rotation. This practice involves moving employees between jobs to help them acquire new skills and gain exposure to different business areas. According to Robert Half, job rotation benefits both employers and their staff, leading to innovation, greater efficiency and increased work performance.

Deloitte, for example, encourages its staff to switch roles and wear multiple hats. One employee says that she performed marketing-related tasks, handled fiscal year planning, participated in client meetings and more. College graduates who work at Abbott have the chance to work on different assignments as part of the company's rotational development program. They are encouraged to take on new roles in different departments and in various offices around the world.

Consider asking your employer about this option. Even if the company doesn't have a job rotation program in place, you may still be able to try different roles within the same department. This practice can help employees gain a better picture of how the business works, says Forbes. At the same time, it promotes collaboration and networking. In the long run, it may boost employee motivation and accelerate professional development.

Job Enrichment Increases Employee Satisfaction

Today's employees are seeking career growth opportunities. They want to develop their skills, climb the career ladder and tackle new challenges. According to Forbes, about 87 percent of millennials prioritize constant learning and development opportunities when choosing a job. Furthermore, a lack of career progression is one of the main reasons they quit their jobs, reports Robert Walters.

More and more companies are investing in job enrichment to address these challenges and keep their staff motivated. This practice involves delegating higher authority and responsibility to employees. For example, you may be asked to set goals for other members, coordinate projects or participate in decision-making.

Job enrichment can increase employee autonomy and task variety. This would help you to acquire new skills and show what you are truly capable of. Plus, it can boost your confidence and make it easier to climb the career ladder. If, say, you're a copywriter, you may take on new tasks related to the company's content marketing strategy or advertising campaigns.

Note that job enrichment isn't the same as job enlargement. The latter involves adding new activities to an existing role. A copywriter who is in charge of creating blog content, for instance, may be asked to start producing content for ads, newsletters or brochures. This strategy allows employees to complete a broader variety of tasks and expand their skills. When executed properly, it may lead to increased motivation and work performance.