Here's our top ten tips for Job Share Success...
1. Making your case – a proposal to your employer might include:
Why it is in the best interests of the organization for you to job share, the benefits it will offer towards productivity with your job role as well as in the workplace etc.
The business case - how exactly it would work e.g what your work schedule would be and your availability outside that time (make sure to go in with a well organized proposition).
Who you are proposing to job share with (this is where we can take a load off the process) and how the job would be split (1 week off, 1 week on? Split week?) and
communication strategies for urgent business on your days off.
2. Consult your colleagues and get their support by addressing any issues they might have.
This will illustrate proactivity to your boss as well as being able to benefit from any feedback given to you.
3. Check any awards and HR policies that may help or hinder job share arrangements.
4. Ensure the job is appropriately designed to represent a realistic view of the output achievable in the time available.
This is absolutely vital, making sure your proposal is suited to the job.
5. Write it down – it is a good idea to have written agreements with your manager and job share partner to clarify expectations.
6. Get involved in the selection process for your job share partner.
Our site is the ideal platform to get you on your way to discovering the ideal job share partner and we’re with you every step of the way. These arrangements work best if both employees have good communication skills and share similar goals.
7. Decide whether the job is to be shared equally (can you simply split hours down the middle?) or whether there are to be areas of specialization (will there been dissimilar areas of expertise to be exploited?)
8. Let all relevant people know your new working schedule e.g clients, reception, team members. Don’t leave people in the dark, it’s best to get all information out in the open in order to put a lid on any complications that may occur in the future.
9. Implement a productive communication system to easily pass on information between job sharers. You can’t leave any room for confusion and sloppiness, you need to priorities time for planning.
10. Talk through career progression with your boss if you’re looking to be considered for promotional opportunities such as training. As well as achieving the work-life balance you’re also looking to open up professional development, so ensure your case is proposed towards ambition in the workplace.
