Q: How can I make a jobshare work?
A: Jobsharing provides you with the chance to work part-time and to continue your career progression; it gives your boss two brains for the price of one; and can produce a team with a wider range of knowledge and communication skills.
First, you need to be a team player — patient and good at communicating. Once you find a partner, discuss the nature of the role you are looking for, and your career objectives for the next five to ten years.
It is important that you have similar aspirations. Are you both looking to gain promotion? How long do you envisage working as a jobshare? You then need to agree how you will work together. Will you overlap one day in the office, or debrief each other by e-mail at the end of each week? When is it OK to phone each other out of office hours? When will you forward-plan?
Lastly, you must develop a good business case for your boss or potential employer, anticipating and answering their concerns. Stress the positives — that they will get double the experience, skills and brainpower, continual cover and reduced absenteeism, a highly motivated, organised team, and complementary skills.
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