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Examination of the Job-Sharing Strategy

University of the People

Ethics and Social Responsibility

Kristen Hester

24 October, 2024
Examination of the Job-Sharing Strategy

Introduction

In the current competitive business landscape, organizations are seeking


innovative strategies to reduce expenses while ensuring employee
satisfaction. The case study “What Would You Do?: Staffing Trade-offs”
examines a clothing company considering a transition from full-time
marketing positions to part-time roles as a cost-saving measure for employee
benefits. This paper will explore the rationale behind the job-sharing
initiative, the potential positive and negative impacts on the organization
and its employees, concerns regarding possible discriminatory hiring
practices, and an assessment of whether this plan is equitable for the
company, its customers, and its workforce.

Supporting Points for the Job-Sharing Plan

The job-sharing initiative offers numerous advantages that could benefit both
the organization and its employees. Primarily, the financial savings are
significant; by converting full-time positions to part-time roles, the company
can lower expenses associated with health insurance and other employee
benefits. This approach is particularly attractive during periods of financial
constraints, as it enables the company to utilize its resources more
efficiently.

Additionally, the plan has the potential to enhance employees’ work-life


balance. In today’s workforce, many individuals seek flexibility, and part-time
positions can provide that by allowing them to juggle personal obligations
alongside their professional duties. Employees may appreciate the
opportunity to work fewer hours, which can result in increased job
satisfaction and reduced stress (Byars & Stanberry, 2019). This improvement
in work-life balance could elevate morale, as employees who feel their needs
are addressed may become more engaged and productive.

Moreover, job sharing can foster collaboration among employees. When two
individuals share a single position, they can merge their skills and
perspectives, potentially enhancing creativity and facilitating problem-
solving within the team. This collaborative approach can ultimately benefit
the company by improving work quality and increasing overall productivity.

Negative Effects of the Job-Sharing Plan

Despite the potential advantages, there are significant negative


consequences associated with the job-sharing plan. A primary concern is
employee morale (Byars & Stanberry, 2019). Full-time employees may feel
undervalued if they observe the introduction of part-time roles that lack
benefits, leading to dissatisfaction and decreased motivation. Such feelings
can foster resentment among staff, ultimately impacting overall productivity.

Another issue is the potential for communication and coordination difficulties


arising from job sharing. When two employees share a single position, it can
result in misunderstandings and communication breakdowns. The necessity
for continuous teamwork may demand increased managerial oversight,
potentially consuming resources and disrupting the workflow.

Additionally, there is a possibility that work quality could suffer if the job-
sharing arrangement is not effectively managed. It is crucial for both
individuals in a job-sharing position to align their goals and performance
expectations (Byars & Stanberry, 2019). A lack of coordination could lead to
decreased productivity and efficiency.

Concerns About Employment Discrimination

Introducing the job-sharing plan raises concerns about potential employment


discrimination. If part-time positions are predominantly filled by particular
groups, such as women or caregivers seeking flexible work, it could result in
a workforce imbalance (Byars & Stanberry, 2019). This situation might foster
perceptions of unfairness and exclusion among full-time employees,
especially if they feel that only certain groups benefit from the flexibility
associated with part-time roles.

To mitigate these concerns, the company must ensure that the hiring process
for part-time positions is equitable and transparent. It is essential that all
employees, regardless of their background or circumstances, have equal
opportunities to avoid any appearance of bias or favoritism.
Ethical Considerations

Establishing job-sharing positions can produce both beneficial and


detrimental outcomes. While it may assist the company in reducing expenses
and providing flexibility, it also introduces ethical concerns regarding
employee welfare and the long-term stability of the workforce. Prioritizing
cost savings over employee benefits could negatively impact the
organization's culture and values (Byars & Stanberry, 2019). Therefore, it is
crucial for the organization to weigh the immediate financial advantages
against the potential long-term repercussions on employee loyalty and
morale.

Conclusion

In summary, although the job-sharing plan offers advantages such as cost


savings and enhanced work-life balance, it also presents significant risks,
including potential declines in employee morale and issues related to
discrimination. For the successful implementation of this strategy, the
company must proceed with caution, ensuring that all employees are
afforded equitable opportunities while considering the broader implications
for workplace culture and employee satisfaction. Ultimately, the decision
should align with the company's values and its dedication to both employees
and customers, promoting a healthy and productive work environment.
Reference

Byars, S. M., & Stanberry, K. (2019). Business ethics. OpenStax College and
Rice University. Retrieved from:
https://opentextbc.ca/businessethicsopenstax/.

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