Are you finding it increasingly difficult to find enough qualified workers to fill jobs? If so, one possible solution is job sharing (hiring two part-timers to fill one, full-time job.)

Job sharing can be a perfect arrangement for business and worker alike. The business benefits by filling a position with a skilled worker and gaining employee loyalty. In addition, the business winds up with two people who know how the work is done. Thus if one is sick or suddenly leaves, the second one can take up the slack and/or train a replacement. The part-time workers benefit by being able to spend more time with their families (or on other activities) without having to leave their chosen profession.

To be successful, job sharing must match up people who work well together. For best results, have the individuals who will share a job, work together for a period of time so they each know the others strengths and weaknesses. These tips will also help:

Set up a system for the workers to leave notes for each other detailing work done, work in progress, and problems that may have arisen during their shift.

Schedule one day or half-day where both members of the team are both in the office at the same time.

Set up procedures for calling or sending email to the non-working job partner if there is an emergency. Be sure the procedures define what constitutes an emergency so calls aren't made needlessly.

About The Author

Janet Attard is the owner of Attard Communications, Inc., which provides editorial content, online community and web development services. She is the founder of the award-winning Business Know-How small business web site and information resource. Janet is also the author of The Home Office And Small Business Answer Book and of Business Know-How: An Operational Guide For Home-Based and Micro-Sized Businesses with Limited Budgets. She can be reached at (631) 467-6826 or by email at