Last year, during a post-workshop feedback review on my train journey home from a Swiss corporate client, a comment struck me. An attendee expressed her interest in exploring: How to advance your career whilst working part-time. This topic, though frequently addressed in our workshops, hadn’t surfaced during that particular session until the feedback forms were submitted.
Her question has resonated with me ever since, prompting me to delve deeper and share insights through this blog post. Initially, I approached this from an employee’s viewpoint: “How can I personally advance?” However, recognizing the multifaceted nature of career progression, I realized the necessity to incorporate employer and organizational perspectives. Understanding these broader dynamics is crucial not only for individual employees but also for organizations aiming to shape a future of work that is truly inclusive and effective.
This exploration extends beyond the concerns of working parents. It’s pertinent to anyone who seeks to harmonize professional ambitions with personal commitments, whether those commitments involve family, personal projects, further education, or simply a desire for a more balanced life.
This article marks the beginning of a three-part series. Here, we will concentrate on the individual’s perspective, focusing on how to overcome self-imposed limitations and actively pursue career aspirations while working reduced hours. In subsequent articles, we will examine:
- The Employer’s Perspective: How to enable part-time employees to thrive and advance within their organizations, emphasizing inclusion and managerial responsibility.
- Governance and Policy: How to establish flexible workplaces as the norm through organizational policy and broader legislative frameworks.
Many professionals can relate to feeling overwhelmed, juggling work demands with personal responsibilities. This struggle is often amplified for women, especially mothers, who frequently seek flexible or reduced work hours to manage these competing priorities. However, the desire for workplace flexibility is not exclusive to parents. Many individuals, regardless of parental status, value autonomy over their time and work arrangements. Factors such as an aging population, leading to increased caregiving responsibilities for elderly family members, and a growing emphasis on work-life balance among younger generations, are further driving this trend.
Parental leave policies have become a significant factor for individuals evaluating job opportunities or considering staying with their current employers. While some companies offer perks like travel nannies and egg freezing to attract and retain talent, research suggests that women often perceive these initiatives negatively, viewing them as reinforcing an “always-on” work culture.
Many of the professionals we coach contemplate requesting reduced hours or flexible work arrangements. Fortunately, many employers are increasingly supportive, recognizing these arrangements as vital for retaining valuable employees. However, a perceived lack of open support, particularly from direct line managers, can deter employees from even making such requests.
A common assumption among employees is that requesting part-time work is likely to be rejected and, even if approved, will inevitably lead to career stagnation.
For some, this perceived trade-off is acceptable. They may not currently aspire to promotions or significant professional development, and that is perfectly valid. However, others may harbor unacknowledged disappointment, suppressing their ambitions to lead or engage in challenging, growth-oriented projects.
We frequently encounter these underlying concerns expressed as:
- “I haven’t seen credible examples of people advancing their careers while working part-time.”
- “Balancing demanding leadership roles with part-time hours and family responsibilities feels impossible.”
- “My company doesn’t consider part-time employees for promotions, especially into management.”
- “Flexible hours and remote work make it harder to be visible and network with key people.”
These concerns are not new, and you might even recognize some of these beliefs within yourself. Indeed, research corroborates some of these challenges.
For instance, Timewise, a UK non-profit, found that a significant portion of the workforce works reduced hours, yet many encounter a “career wall,” experiencing stalled career progression. Similarly, a global survey by Korn/Ferry International indicated that telecommuters are perceived as less likely to be promoted compared to their office-based counterparts.
However, it’s crucial to recognize that these are trends, not unbreakable rules. Numerous exceptions demonstrate that career advancement while working part-time is not only possible but achievable. I have encountered countless examples of individuals, both women and men, who have successfully defied these perceived limitations.
Lynda Thomas, CEO of Macmillan Cancer Support, exemplifies this. She and her job-share partner, Hilary Cross, achieved remarkable career progression, being jointly promoted four times in a decade, reaching board level in 2007 as co-directors of external affairs.
Observing these success stories, I’ve identified seven key factors that consistently emerge as crucial for individuals advancing their careers while working reduced hours. These are not just abstract concepts; they are actionable strategies, supported by real-world examples, designed to empower you to pursue your professional aspirations while maintaining a fulfilling work-life balance.
#1 Own Your Part-Time Status with Confidence
Never preface “part-time” with “just.” This subtle shift in language is powerful. Instead of diminishing your contribution, confidently communicate your commitment, skills, and valuable experience. Christina Dove, a role model for part-time success at Mercer, experienced this firsthand. When she considered returning to full-time hours, her colleagues actively discouraged it, emphasizing that her part-time arrangement set a positive example for the entire organization. This realization inspired Christina to champion part-time and flexible work, supporting colleagues in achieving their career goals within flexible frameworks. Embracing your part-time status as a strategic choice, rather than a limitation, is the first step towards career advancement.
#2 Embrace Responsibility and Efficiency
Developing a drive for efficiency is paramount. Parkinson’s Law suggests that work expands to fill the time allotted. This principle can be leveraged to your advantage. Tasks that might occupy a full-time worker for eight hours can often be accomplished in six with focused effort. This isn’t about overburdening yourself in reduced hours, but about strategically taking on challenging projects and demonstrating your ability to deliver results effectively within your designated time. Katie McQuaid, UK Director of Fulfillment by Amazon, is a testament to this. She built her career while working part-time by consistently prioritizing, delegating effectively, and proactively seeking “stretch activities” that fostered her professional growth. Embrace challenges, streamline your workflow, and demonstrate that part-time hours equate to high-impact contributions.
#3 Define and Exceed Expectations
Clarity is key. Ensure you have absolute clarity on performance targets and expectations. Then, consistently demonstrate your success in meeting, and ideally exceeding, those targets. This proactive approach preempts any potential misperceptions that reduced hours equate to reduced output. By focusing on delivering exceptional results and transparently showcasing your achievements, you neutralize any inclination to attribute shortcomings to your part-time status. Your performance should speak louder than your work schedule.
#4 Cultivate Mentorship and Sponsorship
Ambition doesn’t diminish with reduced hours. Actively seek out mentors and sponsors – individuals who can provide guidance, advocate for your advancement, and open doors to opportunities. These relationships are as crucial for part-time professionals as they are for full-time employees. Mentors offer invaluable advice and support, while sponsors actively champion your career progression within the organization. Proactively building these connections ensures you remain visible and supported on your career journey, regardless of your work schedule.
#5 Maintain Visibility and Communication
Don’t let part-time work equate to being “under the radar.” Maintain proactive communication with colleagues, both superiors and subordinates. Clearly communicate your working hours, availability, and deadlines. Don’t hesitate to assert your boundaries. If meetings are consistently scheduled on your days off, speak up. Georgina Ode encountered this challenge. Initially, she felt obligated to accept every task, striving to accomplish it all within her reduced hours, leading to overwhelm. Through mentorship, she learned to communicate her remit clearly, effectively managing her workload and schedule. Proactive communication ensures you remain an integral and visible part of the team, regardless of your work hours.
#6 Master Time Management and Organization
Effective time management is the cornerstone of part-time career success. This is a consistent theme among successful part-time professionals across diverse fields. A lawyer working in a traditionally inflexible sector attributed her career progression to honed time management skills. Leveraging time management techniques and tools is essential for maximizing productivity and efficiently managing workload within reduced hours. This includes prioritizing tasks, utilizing time-blocking strategies, minimizing distractions, and leveraging technology to streamline workflows. Mastering these skills empowers you to achieve more in less time, demonstrating your efficiency and value.
#7 Advocate for Part-Time Benefits
Actively promote the advantages of part-time work and job sharing to your employer. Quantify your contributions by measuring your performance and productivity against full-time peers. Highlight success stories and research demonstrating the productivity gains associated with reduced hours. Share examples of successful job-sharing arrangements, such as the Swiss ambassadors to Thailand, who demonstrated career advancement and work-life balance through this model. By proactively presenting the benefits of flexible work arrangements, you contribute to a more inclusive and productive work environment, while simultaneously paving the way for your own career advancement and that of other part-time professionals.
Through Thriving Talent’s corporate services and our Thriving Parents brand, we are dedicated to supporting working professionals in achieving their career aspirations while enjoying fulfilling personal lives. If you are seeking to cultivate a more supportive workplace within your organization, or wish to join an exclusive support network for part-time professionals, please get in touch.
