Job sharing: Overview, definition and example
What is job sharing?
Job sharing is a work arrangement in which two employees share the responsibilities, duties, and hours of a single full-time position. Each employee typically works part-time, with schedules structured to ensure full coverage of the role. This arrangement allows for greater flexibility while maintaining productivity and continuity in the workplace.
For example, two marketing professionals might share a full-time role, with one working in the mornings and the other in the afternoons, ensuring seamless coverage of the position.
Why is job sharing important?
Job sharing is important because it offers flexibility for employees while allowing businesses to retain skilled talent. For employees, it can provide a better work-life balance, accommodate personal commitments, or ease the transition into retirement.
For employers, job sharing can improve employee satisfaction, reduce absenteeism, and allow access to a broader talent pool. It also ensures that key positions remain staffed without requiring a single employee to manage the full workload. However, successful job sharing requires clear communication, task coordination, and well-defined expectations between the job-sharing partners and their employer.
Understanding job sharing through an example
Imagine a company has a demanding customer service manager role that requires consistent availability. Instead of hiring one full-time employee, the company implements a job-sharing arrangement where two employees each work 20 hours per week, with overlapping shifts for coordination. This setup allows both employees to maintain work-life balance while ensuring the role’s responsibilities are met.
In another example, a school implements a job-sharing arrangement for a teaching position. Two teachers split the week, each handling lesson planning and student evaluations for their assigned days. This arrangement enables both educators to balance work with family responsibilities while ensuring continuous learning for students.
An example of a job sharing clause
Here’s how a job sharing clause might appear in an employment contract:
“This position shall be filled under a job-sharing arrangement between Employee A and Employee B. Each Employee shall work [Insert Hours] per week, with responsibilities divided as agreed upon with management. Both Employees shall coordinate schedules, communicate regularly, and ensure seamless execution of duties.”
Conclusion
Job sharing is an effective way to provide workplace flexibility while maintaining productivity and operational continuity. For employees, it offers a balanced work schedule, and for employers, it ensures experienced professionals can contribute without requiring full-time commitment. Establishing clear guidelines for job sharing in contracts and policies helps ensure a smooth and efficient work arrangement.
This article contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice. Cobrief is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. The law is complex and changes often. For legal advice, please ask a lawyer.