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Part-Time Work: Is Less More?

Friday, February 22, 2019

Part-Time Work: Is Less More?

If you had the choice to work part-time and know that it wouldn’t affect your career progression, would you do it?

If you answered yes, you are not alone, as one in four full-time workers would choose to make the change.

The world we live in is fast-paced, competitive and there's a lot expected from us. Many, employees and employers alike, find it easy to forget that there’s only so much our bodies and minds can handle. So the question is, would it make a difference if more people switched to part-time hours - in terms of health, quality of life and productivity?

There’s a scheme called Timewise, and their aim is to show that flexible working can attract and nurture great talent (they have an interesting story, it’s worth a read). On their website, you can find the Timewise Power 50, a group of successful senior business leaders who work part-time. These individuals work four days a week or less and come from a variety of industry sectors. Two professionals on this list are co-headteachers Liz Robinson and Nicola Noble from Surrey Square Primary.

Much like many headteachers we’ve come across, these two believe in making a difference and that to do so requires more than a five-day week (headteachers reading this are now nodding their heads).

Liz and Nicola each work four days a week, so the school is benefitting from more work days without draining the energy from one individual. Things are obviously working well because ever since the start of their job-share in 2014, their school has been rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted.

Encouraging a reduced work week isn’t a new concept, countries across Europe have been in discussions about the topic for years. In the Netherlands, working a four-day week has nearly become a standard thing. Dutch laws promote work-life balance and protect part-time workers without taking away any of their entitlements.

Of course, there was also Sweden who trialled a six-hour working day. Many people involved said they had more energy, focus, felt more productive and that their health appeared better too – sounds good, doesn’t it? However, there was criticism that the costs outweighed the benefits.

At SupplyNow, we guarantee you the best rates in Kent and Surrey (and soon to be London). So get in touch and see what we can offer you compared to your current teaching agency – perhaps you could afford to enjoy the part-time life too!


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