Job sharing barriers — Belinda Morgan

Welcome to another Flexible Success newsletter. Each edition includes a thought, a quote, a question and an interesting read - all related to flexible work. It's designed to be quick and easy to digest, and to provide you with some food for thought for the week ahead.

A THOUGHT

I was talking with two very talented women today who have recently started applying for senior level roles as a job share team. Both have exceptional experience in their field, and both are excellent candidates in their own right.

Yet in many cases, their applications are getting screened out at the early stages. And they have been told a number of times that, while the hiring organisation loves the idea of job sharing, 'it just won't work in this role'.

I know if they keep going they will eventually find the right organisation and a great role, but I also know it will probably take them a lot longer than it should.

Job sharing arrangements can create significant benefits for employers. They get two sets of skills, experience and ideas for the price of one (or for a small premium if there is a day of overlap), and there is built in cover when one person goes on holiday or other extended leave.

So why aren't organisations more open to it? I think a lot of it comes down to the fact that for many hiring managers it's unknown territory. And when we have busy day jobs and are looking to hire quickly, it's easier to go with what's known than to experiment with something new.

The good news is that job sharing is not very difficult to implement, there is some great off-the-shelf guidance out there (like this excellent NSW Government resource), and job share applicants themselves have invariably put a lot of time into considering the practicalities and how to make it a smooth transition.

A QUOTE

“It means two sets of skills, experiences, networks and passions. It also means high quality decision making, super-charged brain power and elevated energy at the senior ranks"

– Nicola Rivers, co-CEO of Environmental Justice Australia

A QUESTION

Are you open to creating job share opportunities in your team? What might get in the way?

AN INTERESTING READ

Vicky and Emily, who cannot reveal their real names for security reasons, are jointly responsible for the entire counter-terrorism mission at GCHG, the UK’s security and intelligence agency. Read more

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