What is Job Sharing? What are the Pros and Cons?

Job sharing is very much on the agenda in today's uncertain environment for the simple reason it allows a cash strapped employer to keep two people partially employed instead of having to let one go. Whilst the measure may seem drastic it also has advantages for those who want a more flexible approach to working and to maintain a social life away from work. There is a third reason for job sharing, and that's where a single job is becoming too much for one person alone and requires two heads.

So just what is job sharing? What are the key benefits? And is job sharing right for you and your unique needs? Here we break down the purpose of job sharing and the pros and cons of this modern working method.

What is job sharing?

Job sharing is very much as it sounds, it is a job split essentially into two part-time positions. For example, if you had a job share as a librarian, you may work in the library two and a half days a week, while the other job sharer would do the same but typically on the days you aren't working. You will likely deliver a handover document or email to the person you are sharing the job with on a weekly basis and vice-versa. Often both job sharers will share the same managers and have similar, if not the same, KPIs and work agendas.

What are the benefits of job sharing?

Job sharing can benefit those that want to continue with their career but only on a part-time basis. This could be down to many different reasons. Some people choose to take on a job share in order to improve their work-life balance, where as others may choose one because they have additional professional commitments, such as a side hustle. Others may have family or carer responsibilities and some may need to free up extra time after returning to further education or training.

If job sharing is your motivation to enjoy work, but to also have more spare time, then everybody wins. Motivated workers are productive workers; and productive workers are satisfied workers. So having a fully functioning job-sharing program can be a win-win situation for both your business and your employees.

A work-life balance issue

When a job is taking over your time – maybe unfairly impinging on your social/leisure time – there is always the option of job sharing, providing your employer is able to accommodate you.

Indeed, many employees who job share often want to pursue quality of life and quote this as their main reason for working part time. Of course, working less means earning less so you will have to weigh up the loss of income. If you're in a position – or a relationship – which can afford to do this then you have a distinct advantage.

You could even consider job sharing to allow time to re-train and up skill. Once again, few employers will be unwilling to consider your request.

Parents and those with health issues

The unavoidable need to take care of children or aging parents is another strong reason for job sharing – this request, is almost certain to gain acceptance from an employer.

In this ‘unavoidable' bracket are also health reasons. Whether it's to cope with chronic stress or other health-care issues, job-sharing is a means for you to carry on working at a certain level – and at a certain level of competence, which could not be possible full time.

Is job sharing easy to set up?

Progressive companies are set up to enable work sharing. Usually, there is already a culture of work-sharing anyway.

In this case, the job itself may already have a job sharing element built in. Where it does not, you need someone to share with. In essence, you need to demonstrate that your job can be shared and also, suggest how it could work, either by the use of an existing employee, or by bringing someone in.

Both you and your employer need to be satisfied, that the job will be adequately covered with no disruption to the task in hand. In addition, you and the other employee who join forces to fill one full-time job must be willing to exert a maximum effort to ensure that this work model succeeds.

If it is perceived as a means of just having an easy time, you'll be found out – so even if you are fully committed you need to make sure your co-worker is also.

What are the cons of job sharing?

Two people doing the same job need to work as a team. But who's in charge?

To solve this, clear guidelines need to be set for who is responsible for what. If you or your employer doesn't know exactly who's responsible for what part of the shared job or tasks, it can easily lead to confusion, decreased productivity, and ‘finger pointing' if things go wrong.

You may also find you're not totally ‘in-tune' with your co-workers as you are not sharing exactly the same hours – you could even feel like a slight outsider.

So, job-sharing is on the increase and a way for you to have more control over your life. The reduced costs may suit your employer, especially if they are under pressure, to keep you and your services. What's more, you may even find yourself in a lower tax bracket and have the satisfaction of not paying quite so much tax.

Ready to Apply for Job Share Roles?

If you're ready to start applying for job share positions, then create a profile with Monster today. Once you're all set up, you can search for job shares and apply. From here you'll receive regular application updates as well as notifications when similar jobs become available. What's more, you'll be able to connect with top recruiters nationwide.