underemploy
[/ˌʌndərɪmˈplɔɪ/]
verb
subempregar
1. to employ someone in a position that does not fully utilize their skills, education, or experience
The company tends to underemploy graduates by assigning them routine administrative tasks.
A empresa tende a subempregar graduados atribuindo-lhes tarefas administrativas rotineiras.
2. to fail to employ someone for a sufficient number of hours, resulting in part-time rather than full-time employment
Many workers are underemployed, working only 20 hours per week when they need full-time positions.
Muitos trabalhadores são subempregados, trabalhando apenas 20 horas por semana quando precisam de posições em tempo integral.
3. to not employ someone to their full capacity or potential
We should not underemploy our staff's talents and expertise.
Não devemos subutilizar os talentos e a experiência de nossa equipe.
The term 'underemployment' became particularly prominent in economic discourse following the 2008 financial crisis in the USA, where many educated workers took jobs below their qualification levels. In Brazil, the issue of underemployment is often discussed in relation to informal labor markets and the need for better labor policies. The concept reflects concerns about efficient resource allocation in labor markets and individual career development.
Related Idioms & Phrases
waste someone's potential
not putting someone to good use
overqualified for the job
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