Trying to Find the Right Work Partner? It’s Like Online Dating, But for Job Sharing!
Imagine scrolling through profiles of potential work partners, just like on a dating app. Meet Alejandro, the suit-wearing master’s degree holder who loves jogging, and Susan, who might not have as many academic credentials but is super understanding.
It’s not a dating platform, though – it’s job-sharing websites like WeJobShare, Job Share Connect, and even Ford’s in-house matchmaking tool.
These platforms use algorithms to match professionals who want to share a job. Take Ford’s example – employees fill out details about their skills, preferences, and career goals.
The system then suggests matches with a percentage score. It helped someone like Emma Wright, who wanted a more challenging role after returning from maternity leave.
WeJobShare, based in Switzerland, focuses on connecting women, who are often working part-time due to factors like childcare. Users create profiles, answer a survey about stress tolerance and other traits, and the software generates potential matches. The aim is to keep talented women in the workforce by offering new employment models like job sharing.
This growing trend aligns with calls for gender equality, with organizations like Empower endorsing job sharing as a solution to common challenges women face in the job market, such as childcare responsibilities. However, concerns exist about biases in job-sharing software and the ability to assess soft skills and chemistry between potential partners.
Experts like Sharon Peake express optimism about tools that promote job sharing but caution against potential biases. Business psychologist Jess Baker recommends assessing personalities through profiling tools before committing to a job share.
Despite the benefits, there’s a question of whether employers might reject job-sharing candidates to avoid extra HR work.
Employment solicitors emphasize that such requests should be considered reasonably and refused only for valid business reasons.
In simpler terms, job sharing is like having two people share the responsibilities of one full-time job. While it may seem challenging, having different people with diverse experiences can bring fresh perspectives to the role. So, if you’re considering a job share, it’s a bit like finding the right match – compatibility matters!”
[Source: BBC]
https://www.bbc.com/news/business-67413201