The Rise of “Shelving” and Useless Jobs in the Modern Workplace

The modern workplace is undergoing a quiet revolution, marked by increasing discussions around job satisfaction, productivity, and the very purpose of work. A growing trend, often referred to as “shelving” – being effectively sidelined within a company – and the existence of seemingly pointless roles are sparking debate among employees and experts alike. This article examines the phenomenon, its causes, and its implications for both workers and businesses.

What is “Shelving” in the Workplace?

“Shelving,” or being “put out to pasture,” describes a situation where an employee remains employed by a company but is given minimal responsibilities or opportunities for growth. While still receiving a salary, their day-to-day tasks may be limited, and their contributions are often undervalued. This can occur for various reasons, including restructuring, downsizing, or simply a lack of strategic alignment between the employee’s skills and the company’s needs.

Juliette Briens’ Perspective on Shelving

Juliette Briens, a communications director and chronicler on French radio station RMC, recently shared her experience with a seemingly comfortable, yet ultimately unfulfilling, role. As reported by Ouest-France, Briens described a previous position where 50% of the open-plan office space was unused, and her daily routine largely revolved around preparing for 6 p.m. Despite a good salary and reasonable working hours (9 a.m. To 6 p.m.), she acknowledged the lack of substantial work. Source

The Broader Context: Useless Jobs and the Modern Economy

Briens’ experience isn’t isolated. The existence of “useless jobs” – roles that even employees themselves acknowledge contribute little to the overall value of an organization – has been a topic of discussion for years. Factors contributing to this trend include:

• Bureaucracy and Red Tape: Complex organizational structures can create unnecessary layers of management and administrative tasks.
• Technological Advancements: Automation and artificial intelligence are increasingly capable of performing tasks previously done by humans, leading to a surplus of labor in certain areas.
• Defensive Hiring: Companies may hire more employees than necessary to avoid appearing unstable or to create a sense of security.
• Lack of Clear Objectives: Without well-defined goals and metrics, it can be difficult to assess the true value of individual roles.

Implications for Employees and Employers

The prevalence of shelving and useless jobs has significant implications for both employees and employers:

• Employee Morale and Engagement: Being sidelined or performing meaningless work can lead to decreased motivation, burnout, and a sense of disillusionment.
• Reduced Productivity: Employees who are not fully utilized are less likely to be productive and contribute to the company’s success.
• Increased Turnover: Frustrated employees may seek opportunities elsewhere, leading to higher recruitment and training costs.
• Damage to Company Reputation: A reputation for poor employee treatment can make it difficult to attract and retain top talent.

Recent Discussions on Estelle Midi

The topic of workplace dynamics has been a recurring theme on the RMC Story program Estelle Midi, hosted by Estelle Denis. Recent episodes have featured discussions on immigration and its perceived impact on job security Source, as well as broader issues related to company culture and employee satisfaction. Source A March 19, 2026 episode specifically addressed the experience of being shelved within a company, exploring whether it represents an “enfer or paradis” (hell or paradise). Source

Looking Ahead

Addressing the issue of shelving and useless jobs requires a proactive approach from both employers and employees. Companies necessitate to prioritize clear communication, strategic workforce planning, and a commitment to providing meaningful work opportunities. Employees, in turn, should be willing to advocate for their own development and seek out roles that align with their skills and passions. As the nature of work continues to evolve, fostering a culture of purpose and engagement will be crucial for success.