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Ghost jobs an occupational health crisis in waiting

The unintended fallout of ghost jobs could have fatal consequences for already burned-out employees, according to an Australian Catholic University occupational health expert.

Advertised positions that an employer has no intention of filling, or ghost jobs, have become a dubious feature of a clouded employment market.

Organisations are posting vacancies to give the impression the company is thriving or to keep a warm pool of candidates to fill future roles.

Another reason is to placate already overworked existing staff who perceive the fake ads as the cavalry en route to ease their workloads.

That could backfire on employers, warned Sugumar Mariappanadar who is ACU’s head of discipline in human resources.

“International Labour Organization figures for 2023 show almost three million people died from work-related accidents and diseases. That’s more than the number of road traffic deaths (World Health Organization),” Dr Mariappanadar said.  

“Job burnout is causing occupational health hazards. Employees are looking for relief but ghost jobs are giving those poor people the false impression that relief is coming.”

False jobs are difficult to identify. A listing that has run for more than 30 days is potentially a ghost job.

“But it’s not illegal,” Dr Mariappanadar said. “The regulations have not yet caught up to the online recruitment process.”

Dr Sugumar Mariappanadar is available for interview.