Question

Imagine that you conducted a survey to assess employee job satisfaction. The results were encouraging but a substantial percentage of employees explained that the traditional work schedule of 8 hours per day for 5 days per week was not ideal for them. Some employees wanted to be able to pick their children up from school. Others wanted to be able to travel on the weekend. Some employees wanted to work part-time.

Which alternative work schedule should you use to meet the requests of employees who prefer to work part-time?

◯ Job sharing

◯ Compressed work schedule

◯ Telecommuting

◯ Temporary work schedule

Answer 1

Job sharing is the ideal work schedule choice for employees seeking part-time employment, as it allows multiple employees to share the responsibilities and hours of a full-time position.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most suitable alternative work schedule for employees who prefer to work part-time is job sharing. This arrangement allows two or more employees to share a single full-time job, splitting the work hours and responsibilities. It aligns with the preferences of part-time work and can accommodate various needs such as picking up children from school or traveling on weekends. Compressed work schedules and telecommuting are better suited for full-time employees looking for flexibility, while a temporary work schedule is not a long-term solution for consistent part-time needs.

Job sharing is especially beneficial in creating a balance between professional and personal responsibilities, allowing employees to maintain their careers while also tending to their commitments. Moreover, as Posig & Kickul (2004) suggest, having supportive work arrangements, such as job sharing, can drastically improve job satisfaction by reducing work-family conflict. In job sharing, coordination and communication between the job-sharing partners and their employer are key to ensuring a seamless division of work and optimal productivity.