Generation Job Share
The Future of Work
Business is undergoing a fundamental and structural change. Digitalisation, connectivity, globalisation and demographics are among the causes and 'New Work' plays a central part in adapting to the new environment. One aspect of the megatrend is a flexible work model aka job sharing.
For the better part of the 20th century, going to the office from 9 to 5 was mostly commonplace around the world. Today’s younger generations have no interest in a fixed schedule. It’s something that bores and tires them. The current and up and coming workforce of Millennials and Generation Z demands much more flexibility.
This trend is especially true with new parents, people working on personal projects, transitioning between roles and industries or recently relocated employees. They are all looking for more flexibility and freedom in their jobs and employers will be smart to accommodate that.
Besides many challenges, the benefit is two-fold: by being forthcoming, companies gain access to experienced and highly motivated professionals that might not want to accept a full-time position. Additionally, a well-established flexible work model unlocks capabilities that cater to the need of businesses having to operate around the clock and being “always on” for their international clients.
Although companies already enacting a flexible work model claim that it is not an easy entry topic, they do experience more overall advantages than drawbacks. Some examples:
- Better business continuity: no bottlenecks due to vacations
- Increased productivity: more time for personal matters, meaning more focus during work hours
- Improvements in employee retention: leads to reduction of expensive employee turnover
In fact, for many employees job sharing can actually mean the difference between staying with a company or leaving it altogether. A trend that is especially visible with women in their search for a better work-life balance as their career advances.
Rethinking work models is an unavoidable area in today’s ‘New Work’ oriented business landscape. Have you already implemented a flexible work model in your company? If so, what are your experiences? Let us know right here.