Employers across Australia are facing pressure to retain staff.
Job-share can help businesses recruit and retain employees, particularly employees with caring responsibilities. Workplace flexibility is desirable and often a drawcard when candidates are applying for roles.
Recent studies have found that having a good work-life balance is the most important driver to the Australian workforce and only two out of three employees feel their employer provides this. As one in three do not, it is an opportunity for these employers to place higher importance on providing flexibility for their employees.
The following are some scenarios where job-share benefits both the employer and employee:
Parental leave – parental leave periods such as maternity leave can be hard for HR teams to fill. Often returning parents want to return on a part-time basis for a period of time because they are overwhelmed with the thought of going back to full-time work (and rightly so!). If your outgoing employee can have a say in who fills their role while they are on leave, and who they will share their job with when they return, it will increase their confidence and also yours as an employer. Your incoming employee will also have a sense of security knowing that the employer will be open to a flexible working arrangement if the opportunity to continue post parental leave period arises.
Returning from parental leave – many employees have a preference for returning to work on a part-time basis as they adjust to balancing work and family commitments. Job-share arrangements are ideal in this scenario. Approximately a quarter of all jobseekers are looking for part time roles.
Caring for others – According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics – At least 2.65 million Australians provide ongoing care and support to a family member or friend. That’s more than 1 in 10 Australians. Supporting your existing employees and incoming employees by allowing a job-share arrangement is a real-life way that you can improve the lives of others.
