Emma Hanson and Katie Phillips, share both their experience, and thoughts on how to work effectively in a job-share role within Talent Acquisition.
Tell us a little bit about you and your role at WTW.
Emma: I joined WTW in June this year. Prior to this role, I worked in HR at Emirates in Dubai UAE. I was an expat for over 11 years before we relocated back to England in 2019, then Covid hit! Katie and I work in Talent Acquisition where we share a role as a Recruiter, focusing on the Corporate segment of the business.
Katie: I have been with WTW for almost 7 years. My fist role with the company was as a Recruiter for our Technology and Administration Solutions line of business which I did for five years. I then had an extended maternity leave break for 13 months and after having my baby, I decided I wanted more of a balance between being a mum and still continuing with my career. I spoke with my line manager and HR partner who fully supported my desire to return to work part time and it was then that the job share arrangement came to fruition.
How does this job-share work for you?
Emma: I currently work three days a week; Monday, Tuesday, and Friday
Katie: I work the other two days of the week: Wednesdays and Thursdays. This ensures that the full week is covered for our clients and stakeholders.
What is your current WTW Work Flex? (Remote, hybrid or in-office) How does this work for you?
Emma: We are very much hybrid, which I absolutely love. I usually work from home, but sometimes go into the office if something must be done in person, if myself and Katie have scheduled cross-over days booked in, or if I just fancy a change of scenery. I love the flexibility at WTW and being able to manage my own time and workload effectively.
Katie: I usually work one day at home and the other in the office as I enjoy the combination of both. It is great to be able to go into the office and have that face-to-face interaction with colleagues and stakeholders.
What does the flexibility of job sharing allow you to do, that you wouldn’t be able to do if you worked full time?
Emma: I have a very busy family, with two young boys, working three days a week gives me the ability (mentally and physically) to still be focussed on them while they are still young, but also still have a career in an area that I love. I get the best of both worlds. Working part time also allows me to do lots of volunteering at my children’s school which I’m very passionate about.
Katie: Working as part of a job share allows me to spend time quality time with my young son, but also continue in a career that I thoroughly enjoy. On my days off, I am able to take my son to toddler classes and spend time with other parents, which I feel is so key for both my son’s development and my own journey and development as a first-time parent. It is a fantastic mix of work and family life.
How do you ensure your tasks are done effectively?
Emma: Communication is absolutely key. Our managers and clients shouldn’t notice a difference dealing with either one of us; hopefully being on the same page at all times. We religiously do a handover to each other to ensure were both up to speed with projects as things progress.
Katie: Along with our regular handovers, we also ensure that we are both copied in on all emails so that we are both kept in the loop and there is no duplication of tasks.
How do you feel working at a company, that has enabled you to split your job role and responsibilities with another colleague?
Emma: I have strong views about flexibility in the workplace and the positive benefits that it brings. I was very happy to see such an excellent company and role aligned to this. With a job share partner, it gives great peace of mind to know that work is being taken care of on the days you’re not working.
Katie: I feel so grateful to have been given the opportunity to continue my career on a part-time basis, within a company that I really enjoy working for. It shows that WTW is an advocate for flexible working, which I feel is so important in an ever-changing and evolving employment market.
- Flexibility
