At the start of the year, I wrote on this blog about internal recruitment from the perspective of the employee’s organization. In this post, I would like to discuss the same issue from the employee’s standpoint.
What sorts of changes in duties and roles occur when a person changes jobs within the same organization? What are the benefits of internal transfers– and are they even a good idea from the employee’s point of view?
Change no. 1. The content of one’s own work
Internal transfers are a way of influencing one’s own wellbeing at work, by offering the opportunity to learn new skills and develop, and generally to gain greater professional confidence. The ideal internal transfer would be one that allows the employee to switch to a completely new task field and have a say in determining the goals and areas of emphasis of the new position, and in tailoring the work duties to that person’s own needs and strengths. This, if anything, would provide a boost to the person’s wellbeing and job satisfaction. In any case, a new position always promotes professional development and strengthens the person’s professional identity, in the process laying the foundations for enhanced work performance.
Change no. 2. Influence and role in the community
Having transferred within the company to a new role, the employee can enjoy the fresh opportunities to influence things that come with the position. They may have more power in various management or project groups, or may even become a member of the organization’s management team. And by gaining access to new sources of information, the transferee will be able to gain a broader perspective on the organization, its networks, and the backgrounds and boundaries of decision-making.
The person’s relationship with the work community will also change. Often, colleagues who were at the same level will now report to the person who has transferred to a new position, which can make cooperative relationships more demanding. Collegial discussions may no longer be as effortless as they were before. However, this also provides opportunities for professional maturation.
Change no. 3. Personal motivation
In addition to learning and strengthening one’s skills, an internal transfer can have other highly rewarding effects. Pay and benefits may increase significantly (albeit always in proportion to the increase in responsibilities). More relevant to personal motivation, however, is the employer’s indication of trust that the new position entails. Earning a promotion within an organization is always recognition of work well done. This strengthens the promoted person’s psychological commitment.