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I recently had a new addition to my family and am finding it difficult to juggle my work and domestic responsibilities. One possible solution is a job share with another HR manager and I have discussed this with a colleague in another organisation who is thinking along the same lines. Is this realistic and how do we go about it?
Margaret Malpas, joint managing director, Malpas Flexible Learning, writes:
Often employers who have job sharers say they were sceptical at first but have found it an excellent experience. First work out whether you can work with the other person - you are going to need to have the same values about being organised, communicating and not letting each other down. If this all looks good, then put together a plan and the benefits which will sell it to your manager
Peter Lewis, consultant, Chiumento Consulting Group, writes:
Job share is an option if you have found a reliable, like-minded colleague; but there are a few issues you should consider. The first is availability of the right organisation, the right role and the right balance for you both. Check out what job share jobs are being advertised in the personnel magazines; and ask the specialist HR recruiters to let you know what kind of job share positions they are handling. They should be able to give you advice on the state of the market for job share HR roles.
The increasing trend towards outsourcing parts of the HR function means that there are opportunities to work as a self-employment consultant, which may give you the flexibility of hours that you are looking for. Options include joining a consultancy, either on a part-time or associate basis, or the two of you could offer HR services based upon your mix of skills.
Jo Selby, associate director, EJ Human Resources, writes:
Firstly, congratulations on your new arrival.
In response to your question, job share is one option and a solution that is becoming more common. However, the viability of such a solution is something you and your employers will need to explore.
Before discussing this with them, I would advise you to think through the
