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Implement a Job Rotation Program

Develop and engage your workforce by giving them opportunities to broaden their experience across the organization.

  • Job rotation programs can be difficult to develop and administer; in a time when HR departments are downsizing, HR may be too taxed with daily operations to develop a program.
  • A successful job rotation program must be clearly tied to organizational strategies in order to have buy-in from leadership.

Our Advice

Critical Insight

  • Job rotation programs are a savvy way to attract, engage, develop, and retain today’s workforce.
  • Companies with job rotation programs give employees a better perspective of the whole organization, increase engagement by decreasing boredom and providing the chance to develop new skills, and allow employers to more easily identify candidates for succession planning.

Impact and Result

Use McLean & Company’s five-step process to develop and implement a successful job rotation framework that is:

  • Aligned with your organization’s strategic objectives.
  • Designed to suit your particular capacity and needs.
  • Positioned as a powerful tool for developing and retaining talent.

Implement a Job Rotation Program Research & Tools

1. Develop the job rotation strategy

Assess organizational readiness and designate a committee to determine job rotation goals and metrics.

Implement a Job Rotation Program Storyboard
Implement a Job Rotation Program Executive Briefing
Job Rotation Readiness Assessment Tool
Job Rotation Playbook Template

2. Design the job rotation program to support the strategy

Identify positions or streams for job rotation, set the eligibility criteria, and outline the application process.

Job Rotation Tracking Tool
Implement a Job Rotation Program: Stakeholder Presentation

3. Operationalize job rotation program

Outline the operational workflow for the job rotation lifecycle.

Job Rotation Interview Guide and Assessment Template
Job Rotation Plan Assignment Template
Job Rotation Performance and Development Plan

4. Communicate and implement

Communicate the job rotation program internally and externally and address manager concerns.

5. Follow up and measure progress

Solicit feedback on the rotation program for improvements and metrics tracking.

Workshop: Implement a Job Rotation Program

Workshops offer an easy way to accelerate your project. If you are unable to do the project yourself, and a Guided Implementation isn't enough, we offer low-cost onsite delivery of our project workshops. We take you through every phase of your project and ensure that you have a roadmap in place to complete your project successfully.

Module 1: Develop the Job Rotation Strategy

The Purpose

  • Learn the benefits of a job rotation program.
  • Set job rotation program strategy.

Key Benefits Achieved

  • Use McLean & Company’s five-step process to develop a job rotation program.
  • Clearly define the program strategy and goals.

Activities

Outputs

1.1

Identify key job rotation drivers.

  • Key job rotation drivers identified.
1.2

Align job rotation strategy with organizational strategy and workforce plans.

  • Job rotation strategy aligned to the organizational strategy.
1.3

Select metrics for your job rotation program.

  • Key metrics for success established.
1.4

Identify positions for inclusion in the job rotation program.

  • Positions or streams for job rotation selected.

Module 2: Design the Job Rotation Program

The Purpose

Describe the program and roles.

Key Benefits Achieved

Establish program guidelines.

Activities

Outputs

2.1

Set eligibility criteria.

  • Eligibility criteria for job rotation determined.
2.2

Define the Program Manager role.

  • Project Manager role defined.
2.3

Outline the application process.

  • Application process outlined.
2.4

Outline job rotation workflow, and determine tools and processes that need to be built.

  • Operational workflow for the job rotation lifecycle outlined.

Module 3: Prepare to Communicate the Program

The Purpose

  • Develop a communication strategy.
  • Determine feedback and follow-up plan.

Key Benefits Achieved

  • Communicate the program and gain buy-in.
  • Improve the program using feedback.

Activities

Outputs

3.1

Create a communication plan.

  • Communication plan created.
3.2

Prepare to respond to manager push-back.

  • Plan to address potential concerns prepared.
3.3

Create feedback collection strategies.

  • Feedback collection strategy determined.
Unlock This Blueprint

About McLean & Company

McLean & Company is an HR research and advisory firm providing practical solutions to human resources challenges via executable research, tools, diagnostics, and advisory services that have a clear and measurable impact on your business.

What Is a Blueprint?

A blueprint is designed to be a roadmap, containing a methodology and the tools and templates you need to solve your HR problems.

Each blueprint can be accompanied by a Guided Implementation that provides you access to our world-class analysts to help you get through the project.

Need Extra Help?
Speak With An Analyst

Get the help you need in this 5-phase advisory process. You'll receive 9 touchpoints with our researchers, all included in your membership.

Guided Implementation #1 - Develop the job rotation strategy
  • Call #1 - Discuss how to align your job rotation program with your organizational strategy, including workforce planning.
  • Call #2 - Discuss which metrics to select and how to track them.

Guided Implementation #2 - Design the job rotation program to support the strategy
  • Call #1 - Discuss which positions should be part of the job rotation program, including whether any new positions should be created.
  • Call #2 - Discuss how long job rotations should last, in light of how they relate to strategic objectives.

Guided Implementation #3 - Operationalize the job rotation program
  • Call #1 - Discuss the application and selection process.
  • Call #2 - Discuss best practices around performance management to ensure the success of your job rotation program.

Guided Implementation #4 - Communicate and implement
  • Call #1 - Discuss strategies for communicating your job rotation program both internally and externally.
  • Call #2 - Discuss how to handle manager push-back and address their concerns.

Guided Implementation #5 - Follow up and measure progress
  • Call #1 - Discuss how to adjust program goals after reviewing metrics and progress to date.

Contributors

  • Paul Boston, President, Actus Performance Inc.
  • Troy Paison-Caiani, Talent Management Professional and Research Associate, Integral Talent Systems Inc.
  • Sara Beth Collins, Leadership and Development Specialist, Worthington Industries
  • Angie Pignatiello, Manager, Learning & Development, Loblaws Companies Limited
  • Dr. John Sullivan, Professor, Corporate Speaker and Advisor
  • Senior HR Practitioner, Previously in the Telecommunications Industry
  • Senior HR Practitioner, Previously in the Financial Services Industry
  • Senior HR Consultant, Financial Firm

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