The term “karyawan palugada” (or “paugada employee”) in Indonesia refers to employees who take on various types of work beyond their formal job descriptions. The term originates from the slang phrase “apa lu mau, gue ada” (whatever you need, I’ve got it), which reflects the flexibility and multitasking abilities of employees in handling diverse work demands.
This term is used to describe employees who are often asked to perform tasks outside their official job descriptions. It’s particularly common in companies with flexible work cultures or startups that lack clear organizational structures.
What Causes the Palugada Phenomenon?
The palugada phenomenon arises due to several factors, such as pressure for efficiency and cost cutting. Many companies, especially in competitive industries, aim to maximize human resources by reducing the number of employees. This often leads to one employee handling multiple tasks that would typically be assigned to several people.
Dynamic changes in the workplace are also one of the causes. With advancements in technology and digitalization, employees are expected to have multidimensional skills. They’re not only required to have technical skills relevant to their job descriptions but also other abilities like communication and data analysis.
Additionally, there is also the factor of an unstructured work culture. In startups or small companies, role divisions are often unclear, forcing employees to juggle various tasks—from administrative duties to strategic responsibilities.
Two Sides of the Coin When It Comes to Palugada Employees
Advantages
- Skill Development: Employees get the opportunity to learn new things and develop skills that can benefit their careers.
- Flexibility: Palugada employees often become the backbone of the company, as they can adapt to various tasks.
Disadvantages
- Risk of Burnout: High and unstructured workloads can lead to stress and mental fatigue, potentially reducing productivity.
- Loss of Focus: Employees may lose focus on their core expertise, which can affect the quality of their work.
What Do People Think About the Palugada Phenomenon?
Eno:
“I don’t support the palugada concept. Learning new things is important, but employees shouldn’t have to master skills outside their primary role. For example, a graphic designer should focus on improving their design skills and staying updated with the latest trends. They don’t need to learn performance marketing, copywriting, or accounting skills.”
Ambitha:
” It depends on the situation. In large, established companies, the palugada approach shouldn’t be necessary, as it might indicate ineffective task distribution. In startups, however, it’s normal due to limited resources. But regardless of company size, palugada is acceptable if the tasks are within similar functions. It becomes problematic when employees are expected to handle cross-functional tasks, as they’re likely to excel in one area but struggle in others.”
Solutions to Address the Palugada Phenomenon
Ironically, the negative impacts of palugada often outweigh the benefits, leaving employees at a disadvantage. To maintain balance, here are some practical solutions:
- Set Work Boundaries: Employees should clearly understand their job descriptions and learn to decline tasks outside their responsibilities.
- Prioritize Task: Effective time management and task prioritization can help employees stay focused on their core responsibilities without feeling overwhelmed.
- Communicate with Supervisors: Open discussions with supervisors about workload and expectations can create better mutual understanding and clarity.
Final Thoughts
The palugada employee phenomenon reflects the evolving nature of the Indonesian workplace. While flexibility can be beneficial, companies must ensure that employees are not overburdened or exploited, presenting both challenges and opportunities for employees and companies. Finding the right balance between flexibility and specialization is key to thriving in this ever-changing work environment.
What about your workplace? Does it embrace the palugada culture, or does it take a different approach?
biometrik employee palugada work-life balance
Last modified: March 24, 2025
