Workplace sharing: How does job sharing work?

Workplace sharing or job sharing goes far beyond traditional part-time work — it is a strategic answer to the needs of a modern working world that focuses on flexibility, efficiency and employee satisfaction.

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In this article, you'll learn how job sharing works, what benefits it offers and why more and more companies are using this flexible working model to support their teams while increasing their competitiveness.

What is job sharing?

Job sharing is an innovative working time model, where two people share a full-time job. In doing so, they work closely together and coordinate their tasks and working hours so that they meet the requirements of the position together. Sometimes the term tandem job is also used in this context.

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However, job sharing is not just about dividing working hours. Because job sharing is characterized by profound cooperation in which both job sharers can contribute their strengths and compensate for their weaknesses.

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Instead of simply serving their time, they work closely together to move projects forward, solve problems, and come up with innovative ideas. They regularly exchange ideas, share their progress and challenges, and support each other.

What are some examples of job sharing?

There are different types of job sharing that could be right for your company:

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• Job Splitting: In job splitting, two or more team members share the tasks of a single position, often divided into specific areas of responsibility. Each of the two job sharers assumes a defined part of the responsibilities.
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• Job Pairing: In job pairing, two employees work together to share a full-time position by working in a team or as partners. You can either be present at the same time or work alternately, depending on the requirements of the position and the needs of the team.
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• Top Sharing: In top sharing, two experienced managers share a management position. Everyone assumes specific areas of responsibility or leads the team over specific periods of time, which enables effective and fair management.

What are job sharing advantages and disadvantages?

Job sharing offers numerous benefits for both your employees and your company, but also brings with it some challenges. Let's take a closer look at how this working model can work from different perspectives.

Benefits of job sharing

For your team members, job sharing means better work-life blending due to part-time work.  With tandem jobs, they can arrange their working hours flexibly and take better care of family or personal obligations. It also gives your employees the opportunity to continue their education or pursue other interests without neglecting their career.

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This is exactly what you can benefit from as an employer, because job sharing means increased productivity levels. Through shared responsibility and continuous exchange, creative solutions and innovative ideas can be developed more quickly. In the event of absences due to illness or vacation, the other job sharer can continue working seamlessly, which ensures continuity and stability in the team. Job sharing also promotes the exchange of knowledge and professional development, which in the long term leads to a higher employee retention and results in lower fluctuation.

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As a result, job sharing gives you the opportunity to attract and retain qualified talent who could not or did not want to work in traditional full-time positions — for example parents who want to return to working life after parental leave, or professionals who want to continue their education or fulfill other obligations.

Disadvantages of job sharing

On the other hand, job sharing also presents some challenges. It requires careful planning and coordination to ensure that work handovers go smoothly and that continuity of work is ensured.

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Communication between job sharers must be right so that no information is lost and everyone involved is always up to date. Managing working hours and complying with legal requirements can also mean additional work for employers — but there is a tool that minimizes these challenges. More about that later.

What must be considered when sharing workplaces?

Workplace sharing can be a fantastic solution for your company. In order to successfully implement this working model, there are a few points that you should consider:

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1. Clear communication and role distribution

Successful workplace sharing requires that communication between job sharers runs smoothly. It is important that both partners make clear agreements and precisely define their tasks and responsibilities. This prevents misunderstandings and ensures that work can be continued seamlessly.

2. Job Sharer Compatibility

The two employees who share a position should be a good match — both professionally and personally. They should work in a similar way and be able to work together effectively. A harmonious team is the key to success in job sharing.

3. Flexible working hours

Workplace sharing depends on flexibility. Both employees should be prepared to arrange their working hours flexibly and represent each other when necessary.

4. Documentation and handover processes

Effective documentation is a must. Workplace sharers must ensure that all relevant information and work status are well documented so that the other person is always up to date. Clear handover processes are crucial to ensure continuity and quality.

5. Legal and contractual regulations

The German Part-Time and Fixed-Term Employment Act (TzBfG) contains special provisions on job sharing in Section 13. This regulation ensures that both job sharers are legally protected and have clearly defined rights and obligations. By setting out the framework conditions in a contract, you create security and clarity for both sides.

6. Support and training

Provide support and training to your job sharers. This can take the form of team development workshops, time management and effective communication takes place. A well-prepared team is more successful when it comes to sharing jobs and will feel more comfortable working in a new way.

Desk sharing as a supplement to workplace sharing

Desk sharing and job sharing are two innovative working models that complement each other perfectly. They offer flexibility, efficiency, and cost savings — both for your company and for your employees. By using your office space efficiently and promoting a collaborative work culture, you can make your company fit for the future - but how do you manage to organize workplace sharing effectively?

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There are now tools that help you do just that. Flexopus, an innovative desk sharing software, makes it easy to manage shared workspaces and ensures that everything runs smoothly. With Flexopus, your employees can easily and quickly book available desks, meeting rooms or even parking spaces, which reduces the stress and chaos of searching for a vacant job every day.

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Flexopus also impresses with detailed analyses of your office workspaces, so you can see which workstations are used frequently and when there is unused capacity. The precise analysis of this data helps you to optimize processes in your company, avoid unnecessary costs and ensure that you only rent as much office space in the future as your teams actually need. Flexopus is the key to successful desk sharing!

Conclusion

Workplace sharing is a flexible, collaborative work model that allows your employees to better balance their work and private lives, while your company benefits from increased productivity and continuity. It is a win-win situation that shows how modern working time models can shape the future of the working world.