Every week, a new business term seems to be added to our vocabulary.
Honestly, it’s hard to tell which is more taxing on the reader, trying to make sense of our rapidly changing world or trying to keep up with the rapid invention of new words created in the vain hope of understanding our rapidly changing world.
The latest directly impacts job seekers, so I wanted to bring it up: “flex-washing.”
This new slang term combines “flexible work” and “whitewashing.” It is a classic bait-and-switch tactic: offer something desirable, only to conceal the real intention of the transaction. In simple terms, it plays out when a job posting offers “fully” remote positions or a “flexible” work environment when in reality, the hiring managers have zero intention of honoring this condition. When I was a kid, they had a word for this behavior – a d*ck move.
Job seekers need to be aware of this tactic and understand that, while it’s a rare occurrence, it can and does happen sometimes. So when you’re aware of something that could happen, you know to look for it. Remember, flexible work is about autonomy, and autonomy is about accountability. Make sure your LinkedIn profile, resume, network, and your ethical character focus on how you get the job done despite obstacles.
When you can prove that you can work from anywhere and still get the job done, don’t accept less than you’re worth when it comes to flexibility in the workplace. Deceptive hiring practices won’t work on you when you know what you want and what you’re worth. Life’s too short to work for jerks and petty bosses who try to do a bait and switch.
Check out this article in Fortune for further reading:
