While there are no 100% solutions to the Hidden Worker, simple adjustments can make a world of difference to helping hidden workers find employment.
We touched on several of the challenges for hidden workers here – Challenges faced by Hidden Workers – Hiddenworkers.org
Many of the challenges faced by hidden workers happen on the front-end, with problems with both how jobs are presented, and how the traditional hiring process is conducted.
Here we focus on the solutions – while none of these is a magic bullet, incorporating some or several of these can make a huge impact on hidden worker employment outcomes.
Let’s look at the challenges once again and see a real world example of how one of our member sites (Adultschooljobs.com addressed it).
Here is an example of a problematic job posting that was submitted to Adultschooljobs.com, a site that caters to the adult education community (and a member of hiddenworkers.org).
Position: Quality Control Technician
Type: Entry-level
Pay: $17.00
Schedule: Sunday – Thursday 1st shift – (4:00am – 1:30pm) – OVERTIME is Mandatory!!
Responsibility:
Inspect products on the production line utilizing an RF scanner / tablet while assisting the line lead with other warehouse duties such as: inventory control, material handling, etc.
Requirements: 1 year in QA
The problems with this posting may not be completely obvious if you are somebody who has worked through the traditional hiring process, but for a Hidden Worker, they may be insurmountable.
First problem is the title – this position is actually an entry level position at a commercial bakery. “Quality Control Technician” is simply title inflation to make the job seem more important. The second problem is language – “OVERTIME is mandatory” is a very odd way of phrasing an opportunity for someone to make extra money for a few extra hours they can plan for.
In terms of jargon, this posting is rife with it – “production line utilizing an RF scanner/tablet, inventory control and materials handling” all of these dress up a job that doesn’t need it.
Our solution:
What is the job?
Bakery Worker entry level, first shift
Who is this job good for?
Everyone – we will train, Spanish speakers welcome
How much does this pay?
$17.00, $25.50 for Overtime hours (anything past 1:30PM qualifies for overtime)
What time?
Sunday-Thursday (4:00 AM-3:00 PM)
What will you do?
Check baked goods for quality before shipment.
Assist in counting to make sure correct number of goods is being shipped.
Help ship items as needed.
This job description in surveys got considerably greater views from workers.
The other side of the equation is focusing on candidates themselves – the most successful hidden workers are actively trying to improve. Our focus at hiddenworkers.org is steering candidates towards actions that can improve employment outcomes.
The above are actions hidden workers are willing to take in order to improve their job prospects. For our part, hiddenworkers.org partners with Adult Learning Institutions throughout the nation to encourage and facilitate hidden workers to attend these institutions and take advantage of the course offerings. Adult Learning schools are amazing resources, often free of charge that have classes in multiple formats and times that can accommodate busy schedules.
Additionally, hiddenworkers.org partners with immigration agencies from several nations to ensure that immigrants are aware of the resources available to them once they land in the United States. These immigrants can get up to speed on culture, language and processes quicker by attending institutions catered towards them.
Finally, we are actively increasing outreach to organizations catering to veterans, previously incarcerated individuals and disabled candidates to help them also improve employment outcomes.