The 3 Cs - compatibility, cooperation and communication

With job sharing, if one member of the team fails, they both fail. Therefore, the employer and both the employees should determine whether the two employees have the same capacity, more or less, to do their part of the job. 

Poor chemistry can wreck a job-sharing team, especially if one refuses to relinquish any control or responsibility to the other. It's crucial that the partners are compatible, cooperative and able to establish a good communication system. 

That does not mean they have to be similar personalities with a similar working style. A "big picture" person may be a perfect match for a "fine detail" person - so long as they both appreciate what the other has to offer the partnership. 

It's important for the sharers to establish efficient systems for communicating information so that each one knows what the other has done and plans to do. Otherwise, clients and colleagues may never be quite sure which of the two they should be dealing with. 

For example, if a staff member discusses an issue with one partner who is not available when they wish to follow up on the issue, they will be frustrated and possibly critical of the job sharing arrangement. 

To avoid this problem sharers can:

• Keep a computer log of daily events and a wall chart of pending projects. 
• Communicate with colleagues by e-mail so that they can keep hard copies for each other to read and file. 
• "Pass the baton" by means of evening phone calls to avoid taking time away from the job. 
• Leave their schedule on their voicemail. 
• If they have two different workstations arrange for emails to be sent to both. 
• Ensure each can access the other's email, where necessary. 
• Share a common day if possible.

FAQs

How are job sharers evaluated? 
Usually job sharers are evaluated both individually and as a team because this helps promote the team - perhaps into a higher position. You can see its success or otherwise as a team. 

Are the salary and benefits of the job shared?
Frequently, both partners split one full-time salary depending on the hours worked. Sometimes, if job sharers have different skills, qualifications and experience, they can be graded differently. Leave entitlements and superannuation will be paid on a pro rata basis. 

Are job sharers employed under the same contract of employment?
No, they must be employed under separate contracts.

At its best, job sharing creates partners who are truly interchangeable. Clients and staff will be happy to deal with either member of the team and will conclude that the sharers provided a far better service than what they expected - that two heads were better than one.

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