What is job sharing?

Sharing your workspace can mean more flexibility for you and your employer. Job sharing is a type of flexible work arrangement in which two people work part-time to do the work that one person would do in a single full-time position. Search with us for a suitable position in which you here click.

An SHRM study found that of companies that have formal flexible work arrangements, only 8 percent have a formal job-sharing program. However, the federal government actively promotes job sharing and other flexible work arrangements.

Job sharing can be interesting for employees who want to reduce their working hours to care for someone at home, or who simply want a lighter workload without quitting entirely. Flexible work arrangements can help employers retain experienced employees seeking a better work-life balance. Job sharing can also reduce the cost of an employer's benefits, depending on their benefits policy.

How job sharing works

With job sharing, two employees work part-time to fill a position. Working hours can vary: you can work together part of the week or never see each other. You need to determine whether each of them will be responsible for the job at different times or whether each will be responsible for different tasks. They also need to figure out how to share a workspace, computer, and other equipment so they don't waste time searching for files.

There are two types of job sharing: the "twin model," in which the job share employees work seamlessly together on the same projects, and the "island model," in which the job share employees work independently on different tasks, says Cynthia Thomas Calvert, president of Workforce 21C.

"Island" or independent job sharers tend to exist in companies where staffing is based on the number of employees rather than full-time equivalents, so employers are reluctant to allow employees to work fewer hours because it reduces productivity, says Calvert. "A job-sharing island removes this obstacle. The Advantage The advantage for the employer is that with this model he can employ two employees with two different specialist areas at no additional cost.

For example, if a small department needs both a trainer and an IT person but doesn't have enough work or money to hire two such employees on a full-time basis, independent job sharers with complementary skills could be a solution, says Calvert. While this model does not provide seamless coverage like the "twins" model, employers can train these employees to replace each other when necessary. If you want to be educated about the challenges of job sharing, this is suitable this post .

How job sharing benefits employees and employers

For employers, the main benefit is that they can always have insurance coverage while still providing the workplace flexibility needed to retain good employees, says Calvert. "It is particularly helpful if a Jobsharing-Partner needs to take vacation or is on vacation. The position is filled at least half-time, if not full-time. The employer also has the advantage of having two minds thinking about a problem.

"In many cases, two part-time employees holding one position together will actually do more than one person in the same position," adds Deb Hornell, president of Hornell Partners.

For employees, greater flexibility can lead to a better work-life balance and higher job satisfaction.

Job sharing can also be combined with mentoring, says Stan Kimer, president of Total Engagement Consulting by Kimer. Older workers who aren't ready to fully retire but would like to reduce their working hours are prime candidates for job sharing. Offering job sharing to older employees can help maintain their expertise while also allowing them to act as mentors and pass on their institutional knowledge to their less experienced colleagues.

Tips to try in your company

If you're interested in job sharing, Hornell recommends creating a plan outlining the benefits of such an arrangement. Employers who are new to job sharing may not know what to expect or how to manage job sharers. Managers may need training so they know what to expect from job-sharing employees and how to make the most of the arrangement.

Preparation is key, says Mission Job Share. If you find someone who has similar values ​​to you, who can communicate clearly and who is willing to present a common front with you, your job share will be a success.