Final answer:
Job sharing is a situation where two individuals share one full-time job, combining their skills to fulfill the role's responsibilities. This, along with the growth of the temporary worker industry and the use of the internet and platforms like LinkedIn, has impacted unemployment rates and the way job searching is conducted.
Step-by-step explanation:
Job sharing is an employment arrangement where two people with complementary skills share a full-time position. This allows each individual to work part-time hours while ensuring the full-time role's responsibilities are met. Such an arrangement can be beneficial for balancing work and personal life, and it often leads to increased job satisfaction and productivity.
Several factors have influenced employment trends and unemployment rates. One notable trend is the growth of the temporary worker industry, which has likely assisted in reducing the natural rate of unemployment. Temp agencies offer clearinghouse services that connect workers to employment opportunities and can act as a pathway to permanent jobs. By the early 2000s, the use of temp agencies had increased significantly from the early 1980s, helping many people use temporary positions as a stepping stone to more stable employment.
Furthermore, advancements in technology, such as the proliferation of the internet and social networking sites like LinkedIn, have made job searching more accessible. The internet has transformed how job seekers find and apply for jobs by simplifying the job application process and making it easier to connect with potential employers.