'Shadow Stand-Ins': How Workers Secretly Outsource Their Jobs
What led Remi to outsource her job tasks initially?
Remi, a recent college graduate, found herself overwhelmed and uninspired at her publishing company job. After the pandemic hit, she began asking her boyfriend for occasional help with her work. Following her mother's death, Remi hired a childhood friend to assist with editing and formatting tasks, eventually paying them $100 per book. This marked the beginning of Remi's involvement in the shadow stand-in economy.
What are the different models of shadow stand-ins?
Shadow stand-ins can take various forms, including outsourcing, delegating, proxy work, subcontracting, virtual assistants, offshoring, and job support1. The scope of their work can range from handling small tasks to providing full remote access. Some stand-ins act as mentors or crutches for those who have cheated their way through the hiring process, while others help people juggle multiple jobs.
How do shadow stand-ins impact workplace trust?
Shadow stand-ins can negatively impact workplace trust as they involve secretly outsourcing work, which can lead to inadequate work, communication inconsistencies, and organizational chaos. This practice can erode trust between employees and their employers, as well as among team members who may be unaware of the outsourcing. Moreover, the dishonesty involved in using shadow stand-ins can create a toxic work environment and hinder collaboration, innovation, and productivity.