Work from Home: A Better Deal for Families and the Economy

For years, part-time job sharing in an office has been seen as a solution for working parents—especially mothers—who need flexibility. While it’s better than rigid full-time office requirements, job sharing still comes with significant challenges. In contrast, the ability to work from home offers a far more effective way to support families while also benefiting the broader economy.

The Limitations of Job Sharing in an Office

Job sharing typically involves two employees splitting the responsibilities of one full-time role. While it can provide part-time hours, it also comes with challenges:

• Limited Career Growth: Many job share arrangements are seen as temporary solutions rather than long-term career pathways. Employees in these roles often miss out on leadership opportunities or major projects.

• Overlapping Workloads: Job sharing requires seamless coordination, which can lead to inefficiencies. Handovers between job-share partners can result in duplicated effort or miscommunication.

• Commuting Costs & Time: Even with reduced hours, job sharing still requires employees to commute, adding unnecessary time and expenses for families.

• Availability Constraints: Job sharing can limit an employee’s availability, making them less competitive in the job market compared to full-time colleagues who are always present in the office.

While job sharing and part-time roles can be great solutions for the right people, they are not a substitute for the ability to work from home. True flexibility comes from giving employees the choice of where they work, not just how many hours they work.

The Work-From-Home Advantage

Working from home removes many of these barriers, creating a better solution for both employees and employers. Here’s how:

Better for Families

• More Time with Loved Ones: Eliminating the commute gives parents more time with their children, improving family dynamics and reducing stress.

• Flexible Scheduling: Parents can work around school drop-offs, childcare, and other responsibilities without rigid office hours.

• Reduced Financial Strain: Working from home saves money on commuting, professional wardrobes, and childcare costs, making full-time work more financially viable than a part-time salary.

Better for the Economy

• Increased Workforce Participation: Many highly skilled women opt out of the workforce or settle for lower-paid part-time roles due to a lack of flexibility. Remote work allows them to fully participate in the economy, leveraging their skills without compromise.

• Boosting Productivity: Studies have shown that remote employees are often more productive than those in the office, benefiting businesses and overall economic output.

• Job Market Growth: When companies embrace remote work, they open up job opportunities to a wider talent pool, leading to stronger hiring and retention rates.

• Supporting Local Economies: When parents can work from home, they’re more likely to invest in their local communities—spending money at nearby businesses rather than near-office cafes and restaurants.

The Future of Work is Flexible

Instead of asking women to squeeze into rigid part-time office structures, businesses should embrace remote work as the default flexible option. Not only does it empower employees to balance their careers and families, but it also strengthens the economy by enabling greater workforce participation and productivity.

For companies looking to truly support working parents, the answer isn’t outdated job-sharing models—it’s giving employees the trust and flexibility to work from where they’re most effective.

Looking for flexible job opportunities? Find roles that let you work your way at FlexCareers.