After the Great Resignation, HR professionals across the globe are struggling to reduce the widening skills gap across organizations and to fill open positions with the right workforce. It has become increasingly important to have a varied knowledge, skills, and experience base within the organization to reduce the impact on business performance.

HR professionals are now turning towards the ‘Hidden Workforce’ — a group of talented, skilled, and often overlooked individuals who are transforming our perspectives on employment and productivity. The Hidden Workforce comprises a diverse group of people who don’t fit into traditional employment categories including disabled workers, long-term unemployed workers, caregivers, inexperienced individuals, older workers, etc.

The emergence of the Hidden Workforce can be attributed to the abundance of digital platforms and tools which has made it easier for people to work from anywhere, at any-time. This has opened up opportunities for those who may not be able to commit to the traditional 9-to-5 jobs. Moreover, there is a growing recognition that productivity and effectiveness are not confined to traditional office environments. Many organizations are now embracing flexible work arrangements, acknowledging that employees can be just as effective when working remotely or on flexible schedules.

There are however still biases against those who are a part of the Hidden Workforce, and HR must ensure that their organizations adapt to changing times so that the benefits of including the Hidden Workforce can be leveraged. Reevaluating recruitment practices to ensure there is no discrimination against these employees is a good start, as well as working on changing the prevailing norms about hiring such employees. Succession planning can be done based on competencies instead of just filling the job description, which will allow a greater chunk of employees to be included. Companies should also invest heavily in their training and development to ensure that the Hidden Workforce is utilized effectively.

As we move further into 2024, the importance of the Hidden Workforce will continue to grow. Organizations that adapt to this shift, leveraging the skills and flexibility of this diverse group, will be better positioned to thrive in an ever-changing economic landscape. By acknowledging and embracing the contributions of the Hidden Workforce, we can create a more inclusive, dynamic, and resilient workforce for the future.