Job Sharing- the Answer to Labour Shortages?

Could offering job sharing be the answer to attracting and retaining new employees? Initially you may be thinking...What? Two people doing one job?  How will that help fill empty spots? .. but you might  be surprised.
Statistics Canada reports unemployment rates are continuing to drop in Canada, however job vacancies are at an all time high (over a million in May 2022)! Employers are being forced to reorganize, lengthen delivery and production times, reduce service hours, and ask existing employees to work longer hours, all in an effort to keep their businesses afloat while they desperately search for new employees. Traditional offers of more pay and benefits are not working. Could offering people the ability to job share be a solution? 

​Job Sharing Defined
Job sharing arrangements allow two people to share the responsibilities allotted to one full-time job, This design has not been overly utilized in Canada. Typically it has been considered during layoffs, to ensure that employees were able to continue earning a partial wage. However, job sharing is becoming more prevalent in other European countries such as Switzerland, as an option for people who have multiple interests, obligations, and skills,  to continue working with reduced hours.  It offers options for work-life balance, child care, pre-retirement, and skill enhancement. There are different ways to divide the hours, and apply benefits and vacation leave, however the concept remains the same. Two people, with complimentary skill sets and experience, engage in the roles and responsibilities that typically fell under one job title. 
Employee Interests and Needs
The pandemic caused many people to rethink their priorities. Many people do not want to return to working in the office, 5 days a week, spending time and gas to get to work, juggling family responsibilities, child care, and long work hours. It has caused many to look at other employment options including freelance work, contract/part-time or self-employment. Job sharing offers employees a new option. It enables people to still advance in their skill sets, be part of a team, and yet have some control over the number of hours/days they are working. 

1. Countries like Switzerland are noting that women are statistically much more likely to have an interest in job sharing. Instead of leaving the workforce while children are young, it enables women the ability to juggle family responsibilities as well as continue to advance in their careers.
2. Boomers are also considering job-sharing. It allows them to stay in the workforce, yet not be obligated to work a 40 hour+ work week. They are able to increase the amount of time away from the office, and feel like their are in pre-retirement.
3. Entrepreneurs interested in venturing out on their own are finding job sharing a great option. It offers a stead source of income, while still allowing them to explore their own creativity and business ideas. 

Benefits to the Employer

1. Diversity of your workforce-  Businesses are able to retain "pre-retirement staff" who's corporate knowledge and skill set is vital to their success. Women and other disadvantaged groups are able to stay in your workforce, increasing their ability to advance their careers bring their unique perspectives and skill sets to the company.
2. Higher levels of productivity- Participates in job sharing positions report that they get more done. With two people assigned to the work and responsibilities they are able to play off each other's strengths, and keep the workflow going when the other person is off. 
3. Increased availability/service- Having two people share the hours allotted to one position allows the employer to adjust the times to fit peak operating hours. This can result in better supervision of employees, increased customer service, and longer business hours. 

Happy Employees Stay With Their Employer
Attracting and retaining employees is a lot of work. Business owners find themselves caught in a revolving door- hiring, training, and then starting over again. Maybe it is  time to re-examine job design. Job sharing offers new potential and new employee interest. It answers the need for flexibility and work/life balance. It also allows employers the ability to attract and retain diverse, experienced, and unique employees. It is worth a try. The next time you put out a full time job posting add in the line "interest in job sharing will be considered" and see what happens. To learn more about this, and other ways to attract and retain employees, please visit my website, www.inspiringorganizationalgrowth.co/home