JUGGLING work, family and other commitments has seen more and more people turn to part-time employment.
Around 8.6 million people in the UK, nearly a quarter of the entire workforce, now opt for this over traditional 9-to-5 hours.
It remains more common for women but the number of men choosing this way of working is increasing.
Recent research from jobs platform flexa.careers shows 37 per cent of staff are seeking part-time jobs, with demand up by a third from the start of the year.
Co-founder Molly Johnson-Jones, said: “Part-time work isn’t just for students and parents.
“For workers that want to invest time in lucrative side-hustles, or fit work around caring responsibilities or health needs, part-time jobs offer a solution.”
Employers are responding, as the number of part-time roles posted this year is up by 21 per cent on the previous 12 months.
If you think it could be for you, here are Molly’s top tips . . .
Consider the sort of role you want: How many hours are you looking for? Do you need to reserve certain days or times for other responsibilities, such as childcare, or to work on your own business venture? What values do you want to see reflected by a prospective employer?
How much flexibility to do you need? Will you need flexi-hours, or the option to work from home, to help balance your commitments?
Don’t be afraid to ask: If you are happy with where you currently work but need to cut down your hours, ask your boss — nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Search smart: Check online job boards and careers app LinkedIn to find your ideal role, but refine your searches so you only see part-time positions. Approach companies that interest you, even if they are not currently hiring.
Set clear boundaries: When interviewing, be clear about the times you will be available to work, and any other support you might need to thrive in your new role. This will help to manage expectations on both sides.
Be present: Working fewer hours does not make you any less a part of the team. It is still your place to contribute to team discussions, be heard in meetings and build up relationships with colleagues.
Know your limits: Your workload should reflect your hours. If you are struggling to complete tasks within your part-time hours, bring up this issue with your line manager.
Organise your time: Part-time employees have a responsibility to always plan their diary to avoid conflicts between their various commitments.
TEN TOP FIRMS FOR FLEXI - HOURS WORKING
MICROSOFT: Alongside welcoming part-time employees, Microsoft UK is open to compressed hours and job-sharing. They also offer a wellbeing allowance and enhanced sick pay.
ASOS: The fashion giant offers part-time roles, and early-finish Fridays.
BATTERSEA DOGS AND CATS HOME: Staff at the beloved charity enjoy job-sharing, compressed hours and part-time roles. They can bring their four-legged friends into the office.
MONDELEZ: As well as the best office snacks, the food- and-sweets firm serves up part-time roles plus enhanced maternity and paternity-leave packages.
MARS UK: Beyond part-time roles, Mars UK supports job-sharing and compressed hours, and even “pawternity” leave for new animal owners.
VIRGIN MEDIA O2: Perks include a day off on your birthday and five days of paid carer’s leave, as well as part-time jobs.
THE MONY GROUP: The experts behind sites such as Compare The Market, MONY Group offers staff part-time working arrangements to suit their needs. Employees can work from anywhere for two weeks per year.
OVO: The energy power-house has a host of flexible policies, welcoming part-time employees.
ANGLIAN WATER: As well as part-time roles, job- sharing and compressed hours, Anglian employees get a generous employer pension contribution, family health support and critical illness cover.
NORTHERN: The train operator offers compressed hours to support flexible working, as well as standard part-time jobs.
BOSSES MUST BE CARER ALLIES
ALMOST six million workers are unpaid carers to family members and friends.
With Carers Rights Day falling on November 20, many firms are looking at ways to better support staff with these responsibilities.
Marie McCann, of energy company Centrica’s Carers Network, says: “While being a carer is a huge part of who I am, it doesn’t define what I can achieve. Having a workplace that supported me changed everything.”
Here she shares her tips for employers . . .
Put policy into practice: A strong carers policy is the foundation of meaningful support. If your organisation offers paid carer’s leave, see if it can be taken in hours, not just days – helping carers manage appointments, emergencies or everyday care.
Flexibility first: Flexi-working should be more than a perk, it ought to be embedded in workplace culture. Support staff to shape schedules to their needs, allowing carers to balance responsibilities without compromising their careers. It improves wellbeing and boosts productivity and retention.
Build communities: Peer support can be life-changing. Look at creating a carers’ network to connect colleagues in the same situation. Local reps, online hubs and storytelling campaigns help carers feel valued.
Empower managers to make a difference: The best support often starts with an informed manager. When they better understand the challenges carers face, they become powerful allies.
Partner for progress: Working with expert organisations such as Carers UK can help.
Listen and learn: Great support starts with listening. Firms should seek feedback from carers to understand what is working and where more can be done.
Regular surveys, open conversations and policy reviews ensure initiatives evolve with people’s needs.
HO-HO ABOUT IT?
GET in quick if you fancy bagging some festive season work at supermarket chain Iceland.
It has vacancies for 250-plus delivery drivers and retail assistants, but applications close on November 28.
There are fixed-term contracts for up to 16 weeks over the busy holiday period. Jobs are both part-time and full-time, and seasonal workers get a 15-per-cent staff discount.
Iceland Foods’ Paul Dhaliwal said: “Our drivers don’t just go the extra mile, they go the extra flight [of stairs], ensuring our customers get their shopping delivered to their door, no matter what floor they live on.”
Check out what work is on offer, and apply now, at icelandcareers.co.uk.
Jobspot
- POSH bakery GAIL’S has more than 120 roles available at stores across the country, including posts for team leaders and kitchen team members. For more details and to apply, check out jobs.gailsbread.co.uk/en-gb
- FESTIVE attraction LAPLAND UK is looking for cheerful sorts to play Father Christmas, plus it needs food and beverage staff at its sites in Ascot and Manchester. Find out more at laplanduk.avature.net/careersmarketplace
DOING GOOD PAYS
IT can be good business to do good in this world.
To qualify as B Corps firms, businesses must meet high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability and transparency, and pledge to work toward a sustainable economy.
The UK currently has 2,600 B Corps firms, of all sizes and employing more than 200,000 people – and they have an average annual turnover growth of 20 per cent.
They include brands such as Octopus Energy, Mulberry, Patagonia, Giffgaff and Elemis.
Chris Turner, CEO of B Lab UK, said: “Over the past decade, our community has shown a more human approach to business is both possible and profitable.”
