The CIPD has supported Women Like Us in the development of the helpdesk.
Advice is available on:
- Whether there is a need in the business for part time flexible role
- How it could work in practice
- How to create the job description
- What to pay and how to set holidayHow to integrate this role with other members or staff
- How to onboard and manage flexible employees
Employers who call the helpdesk will also be sent free e-packs including a toolkit on how to design flexible and part time roles successfully.
A Women Like Us survey found of 329 London based employers more part time staff that a third want to recruit this quarter, yet Women Like Us estimates that more than half (65%) of employers who call to use its recruitment services, don't know how to structure a part time or flexible job.
Karen Mattison, founder of Women Like Us, said: "Part time recruitment is a great way for forward-thinking employers to keep growing through tough economic times - and beyond. We are launching this helpdesk with the support of the CIPD because we know lots of employers think about hiring part time staff but get 'stuck' at the starter stages of job design, on questions such as 'what do you do about bank holiday?'."
Mike Emmott, employment relations adviser at the CIPD added: "The Women Like Us helpdesk and toolkit aims to offer free, impartial advice and support to employers looking to redesign their job roles. The CIPD is pleased to support this initiative as it will undoubtedly provide many employers with the kind of information and know-how they need in order to offer truly flexible and part-time vacancies. Many employers accept the business case for flexible working, in terms of increased engagement and commitment from employees, but are not confident about dealing with issues of job design. The toolkit will help to address this gap."
The Flexible Job Design Helpdesk number is 0800 781 1604 and is free for employers with offices based in London, Thames Valley, Surrey, Kent, Hertfordshire and Essex.
