New Work-Trend: Jobsharing
April 26, 2023
4 min
The 4-day work week, digital nomads, job sharing: they’re all examples of exciting concepts and models which are continually redefining the working world. Job sharing in particular – with its attractive flexibility – is especially transforming part-time positions.
From part-time work to job sharing, job splitting and ’top sharing’.
Even if the idea itself of dividing up a full-time position into several part-time positions is not really new, there are various ways it can be done. Job sharing is when two (or even more) employees share a full-time position. This is also the case with job splitting, the main difference being that in a job split, a full-time position is divided up into part-time positions which are assigned to different areas or working departments, meaning that the job splitters work independently of one another. What sets job sharing apart from other types of traditional part-time work is that a full-time position is divided up directly among the employees involved in the job share – which is why close communication and ongoing consultation and collaboration among the job sharers is essential. They share the tasks and responsibilities of the position with one another, as well as its working hours. It’s common in a job share to have have two or more employees with complementary skill sets involved, each contributing their strengths which can be strategically combined and applied and put to good use for their position. Job sharing can be done at any level of work - and when it occurs at the executive level, it’s referred to as top sharing.
Why is job sharing so attractive?
There are many reasons why job sharing is a New Work trend which meshes well with the current job market. Especially for Gen Z and younger generations of workers, having greater compatibility with their private and professional lives is an important aspect when it comes to employment. With a flexible model such as job sharing, the amount of working time can be reduced while still being able to take on a position entailing a great deal of responsibility or even a management role. The division of tasks and responsiblities can also reduce stress. The (albeit necessary) close interaction of job sharers greatly encourages knowledge transfer among them. The job sharing model is interesting for companies as a way to attract talent and create a positive working environment, and position themselves as an attractive employer in the process. Moreover, a survey about job sharing, conducted by the Heilbronn University in conjunction with Twise and The Jobsharing Hub, revealed that job sharers are perceived to be more resilient and productive workers.
Are there any hidden challenges to job sharing?
On paper, job sharing seems like a win-win situation, offering advantages and opportunities for both employees and employers alike. However, realistically it can present challenges for both sides. Job sharing requires a great deal of organization, communication and consultation among the job sharers. This can be time consuming, particularly in the beginning. If the job sharers aren’t working successfully with one another, it can have a negative impact on their morale, productivity and the results that they produce. In such a situation, job sharing can end up turning into a negative experience for employees and employers.
Just New Work hype, or a genuinely future-oriented work model?
Job sharing is a working arrangement which is promising for employees and attractive for employers. In Germany, the number of workers employed part-time is above the average for the EU, with women holding part-time positions more frequently than men. Yet job sharing is still not that widespread in Germany: in 2018, only 27% of companies offered the option of job sharing. Taking into consideration the lack of skilled workers and the strong desire of a new generation of workers for flexibility within their work, the job sharing model has the potential to shape the way we work for many years to come.