Job Sharing, Job Rotation, and Shorter Workweeks
Photo by Ketut Subiyanto from Pexels
In this hectic and crazy world, it can be very challenging to balance everything that we need to do, let alone everything that we want to do. Not only can it feel overwhelming at the best of times, but Covid-19 has created a set of stressors that are unparalleled in recent history. Literally everything we do is harder. From grocery shopping to going to the veterinarian, from family events to school, and add to that the current political climate, and some days can take our breath away.
Photo by Muhammadtaha Ibrahim Ma'aji from Pexels
And, we still need to, and in most cases, want to, continue to do our jobs. We may love what we do and not be able to imagine our lives without working for animals, or we may simply not be able to forgo our incomes. But, it may also mean that we cannot do our jobs with the same level of time commitment we once did while at the same time learning to navigate in this new world.
As a valuable and important activist for animals, we need you, even if it means that it may no longer be full time. There are so many options to assist you in balancing your work and life, and I would strongly encourage you to explore those options. One such option is to speak to your organization about job sharing or job rotation, or even a shorter work week.
Job Sharing
Job sharing is a practice whereby usually two people share one job. It can be a wonderful way to accommodate personal needs, while also retaining top talent - like you!
Job sharing does not need to cost more for your organization, in fact, studies have shown that job sharing employees have lower rates of absenteeism, and they tend to be more productive when they work. The work output benefits from having ‘two minds’ collaborating, there is always a back-up in the event of vacation or sick time, and aspects of the job are far less likely to fall between the cracks.
Job Rotation
Another wonderful idea is to engage in job rotation. This is usually done by having one employee spend shorter periods of time in many different areas of the organization. This is particularly effective in preventing boredom and enhancing career development opportunities. Job rotation is usually structured around an employee being temporarily assigned to a particular area, and then regularly re-assigned over time, while also providing the employee with opportunities for time off in between.
Shorter Workweek
Jacinda Ardern, Prime Minister, New Zealand. Hagen Hopkins Pool Photo via AP
Lastly, and perhaps most obviously, is to request a shorter workweek. Some organizations have relied on shorter work weeks to reduce overall costs, some have used them to boost morale, and other progressive organizations have implemented them in an attempt to foster greater work-life balance. Interestingly, during the Covid-19 pandemic, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern even suggested that a 4-day workweek could boost the economy!
Remember, the animals need you, and there are lots of creative ways to keep you engaged even when life gets hectic. If you are facing a challenge that is causing you to question whether you can stay in your role in the organization, please reach out to your manager and discuss ways in which you can remain engaged while also balancing your personal life.
I want to help to empower you to be the best activist you can be. Please reach out with any questions and I’ll try to answer them in future blogs, anonymously of course!
Always for the Animals,
Krista
This blog series is provided for general information purposes only. It is not intended to provide legal advice or opinions of any kind. No one should act, or refrain from acting, based solely upon the materials provided on this website, any hypertext links or other general information without first seeking appropriate legal or other professional advice.
The intention of this blog is to promote the longevity and engagement level of the activist community within the Animal Advocacy Movement (AAM). The majority of the advice will be geared towards employees within the AAM in Canada and the United States, but may be applicable to other countries. All information provided assumes that the employee works within a non-unionized environment.
Krista spent the first 15 years of her career in human resources including as the Vice President of HR for one of the largest tech companies in the world. Krista then founded a boutique employment law firm in Toronto where she consulted to employers across Canada and the U.S. for a decade. To pursue her true passion, Krista sold her practice to lead Mercy For Animals in Canada where she led twelve undercover investigations into factory farms and slaughterhouses. Today Krista consults with animal protection organizations across North America on matters of organizational development. In addition to holding five degrees and designations in human resources, she is pursuing her doctorate focused on the employment experiences of animal rights activists.