The free agent employee

Written By Unknown on Senin, 05 Januari 2015 | 18.47

There is a breed of employees which stands apart from the typical clique-prone professionals.

The modern workplace has undergone a structural change with the idea of free agent gaining currency. In business, a free agent employee refers to someone who works independently for oneself, rather than for a single employer. These include self-employed workers, freelancers, independent contractors and temporary workers. From employees `working for an organisation', the trend has moved onto `working with organisations'. These are professionals who are highly competent in their core craft and are sought for their super-expertise. They are a brand in themselves.

The same free agent mindset has been an emerging trait of many pros who have a high self-worth well-explained by an enviable track record of professional success. And it is this set of highly engaged professionals that we are talking of. Why the free agent employee?

In this prevalent era when technology seems to be the key, unshackling professionals from physical presence at their place of work, the equation between an organisation and its employees have undergone a radical change. The need to be physically present at the place of work has been demolished.

Another radically enabling aspect of the tech era is the sense of empowerment it inspires among the high achievers. It has become the wind beneath their wings as they soar high, fuelled by ambition and confidence, combined with a lavish dose of brilliance and competence. Also, the globe is their territory. Talent acknowledges no boundaries.

The new scheme of things has talent working for the company as long as the setup provides them an ecosystem to grow, offering them the projects and opportunities, which do justice to their talent and an ecosystem that is congenial and conducive lest they leave for more satisfying and engaging ecosystems. But this should not project free agent employees as rolling stones.They move on only for enhanced job satisfaction and work conditions, which bring out the best in them and most significantly, for an atmosphere that gives them positive vibes.

At times, highly-engaged employees find themselves at the receiving ends, either because of the ripples of envy that they create with their brilliance or simply unexplained hostility among the cliques at work. There have been instances when trust deficit with the bosses has also proved to be the culprit. The competent employee professionals, who have value across the continent industries are convinced of their brilliance and know they could bid for their price. So, they decide to move on. There are increasing instances of even 'permanently temporary workforces', serving organisation needs, across countries.In this context, the term 'free agent' has begun to represent this new dimension of the workforce.The door swings both ways The world is much more knowledgeable about the different rates/price for various products services across the globe. Hence, it is difficult for any employee to remain very expensive to an employer with so much information lodged just a click away.A peek into their the free agent's psyche They are highly engaged and self-motivated professionals, very sure of their potential and the job opportunities that await them. They get their adrenaline rush with the interplay of challenges, competence and brilliance; they are addicted to excellence and success. They have to be engaged positively lest they look for more engaging options, somewhere else.

No, they are not arrogant about their competence. They need challenging roles, projects and assignments - without these, they find it difficult to breathe and move out for fresh air. Also, they look for an ecosystem that is congenial for their upward mobility and career growth, emotionally satisfying and positive.Rumours, gossips, hostility and office cliques do not figure in their dealings and they are bad at handling it.Retaining the free agent-employee The onus lies upon the top leadership to make the workplace feel like home to such professionals. Top bosses have to ensure an environment that is positive and free of tyranny of the cliques that modern workplaces are so susceptible to. Free agents don't raise an alarm before they leave nor waste their efforts in winning over hostile people. The only thing they want is to get up and leave quietly. But they are known to get enticed by visionary leadership that understands them and provides for the growth and progress of the organisation along with the professionals working for it.

The upshot is, they look for a workplace that brings out the best in them. So if your office is such a place, you will see free agents who belong to the club of highly desirable employees flocking it.

Dr Uday Salunkhe

The author is group director, Welingkar Institute of Management Development and Research

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