Secondment

What Is Secondment?

Secondment is the transfer of a member of staff from one department to another within the same organisation or from one donor organisation to another donor organisation.

In both cases, it is done for a temporary period, without the loss of accumulated staff rights. Secondment is not a transference. It is meant to enable staff to learn new skills, share knowledge and then take that back in-house to their role.

Why Do Companies Use Secondment?

Firms use secondment for a variety of strategic purposes:

Skill Exposure

The staff gains exposure to cross-functional skills.

Knowledge Sharing

Knowledge is transferred from team to team or organisation to organisation.

Project-based Staffing

Contract roles are filled without hiring on a permanent basis.

Succession Planning

High performers are trained for leadership positions via secondment.

What Are the Different Types of Secondment?

Internal Secondment

Transfer happens within the same firm (i.e., from department to department).

External Secondment

Placement in another company, e.g. client, subsidiary or joint venture.

Short and Long

From weeks to years, depending on what the employee has to accomplish.

How Does Secondment Benefit Employees?

Through secondment, employees gain:

• New operating environments and challenges.
• Better career opportunities due to diversified experience.
• Network with other teams or industries.
• Possible skill-based pay increases or bonuses.

What Are the Legal and Contractual Considerations Relevant in Secondment?

As you consider secondment for an employee within your organisation, it needs to be carried out by sticking to the standard procedure applicable in your industry. Here are some of the legal and contractual considerations you may need to take into account.

Terms of Employment

Employment terms like wages, benefits and job security generally remain the same.

Length

Make sure to specify the duration of the secondment with he employee to avoid unnecessary assumptions and worries.

Intellectual Property (IP) Rights

Draft agreements that address who owns work created during the secondment.

Confidentiality

Employees may sign NDAs if they work with third parties.

What Are the Common Challenges That Can Arise in Secondment Execution?

Role ambiguity

If the employee is to perform role that is not defined, it may lead to confusion.

Reacclimatization

Readjustment struggles will be experienced by returning employees.

Liability

Risks for the employer where the terms of the secondment are not clear.

How Should HR Manage Secondments Effectively?

HR has a key part to play in ensuring that secondments run smoothly by:

• Creating robust contracts that lay out all legal protections and both parties’ roles and responsibilities.
• Providing orientation to help secondees adapt to new teams.
• Maintaining communication with all stakeholders to address concerns promptly.

Could Secondment Lead To A Permanent Move?

In some cases, the seconded person will be given a permanent role in the new department or organisation. But most secondments are temporary and are made for a fixed period only.

Conclusion

Secondment is an adaptable HR tool that supports career development and corporate agility. Done right, it’s good for employers and employees alike – closing skill gaps, fostering innovation, and promoting collaboration. The HR must ensure transparency and extend help in the entire process to avail its benefits to the fullest.