Tips for Managing Job Share Employees

Job sharing is a brilliant way to attract top talent while offering the flexibility so many professionals are looking for. But it’s not just about offering flexibility—it’s about building a stronger, more diverse team.

The important key to unlocking job share success is to  focus on finding a complementary duo instead of looking for two identical candidates. When their skills and experiences balance each other out, the role becomes even more effective and dynamic than if filled by just one person.

With two employees sharing the workload, you often get fresh ideas, better problem-solving, and an overall boost in creativity. Plus, employees in a job share tend to feel more supported, which leads to better job satisfaction and performance.

Managing a job share does take a bit of planning, but these tips will help you make the most of this great setup:

1. Clarify Roles and Responsibilities

Start by making sure each person in the job share knows exactly what their role entails. A clear breakdown of responsibilities helps avoid any overlap or confusion, and ensures both employees know what’s expected of them.

2. Encourage Open Communication

Good communication is everything! Encourage your job share partners to stay in regular touch with each other—and with you. A weekly catch-up or a shared platform can go a long way in keeping everyone on the same page.

3. Foster Team Collaboration

Two heads are better than one, right? Encourage your job share team to work together on projects and support each other. Their combined skills can lead to creative solutions and a stronger team dynamic.

4. Ensure Smooth Handover

A seamless handover between job share partners is key to keeping things running smoothly. Help them set up a routine where they update each other on tasks, deadlines, and any important details. This way, nothing slips through the cracks.

5. Offer Equal Opportunities

Make sure both partners have equal access to training, development, and career growth opportunities. Fairness is crucial—both employees should feel they’re being evaluated and supported equally.

6. Support Work-Life Balance

Job sharing is often about achieving a better work-life balance, so be mindful of this. Make sure their workload is manageable and check in regularly to see if they need any adjustments.

7. Be Flexible

Job sharing arrangements might need to evolve over time. Be open to making changes as needed, whether it’s adjusting responsibilities or tweaking schedules. A little flexibility can go a long way.

8. Encourage Feedback

Ask for feedback from both job share partners about how the arrangement is working. Regular feedback can give you insights into what’s going well and where improvements might be needed.

9. Set Clear Performance Goals

Establish clear goals that apply to both partners. This helps ensure that everyone knows what’s expected and that both employees are being evaluated fairly.

10. Celebrate Successes

Don’t forget to celebrate the wins! Acknowledge the successes of your job share employees—it’s a great way to boost morale and reinforce their value to the team.

Incorporating job sharing into your team is more than just a flexible solution—it’s a way to bring fresh perspectives and boost overall productivity. By following these tips and finding the right pair of complementary talents, you’ll create a thriving, dynamic team that benefits from the strengths of both individuals. With the right planning and communication, job sharing becomes a seamless, rewarding experience for everyone involved.

Tailor these strategies to your team's needs, and you’ll unlock the full potential of job sharing, fostering innovation, support, and long-term success.