Redefining leadership through flexibility: Laura and Natasha's job share success
Job-sharing in leadership isn’t something you see every day, but here at Water Corporation, it’s a proven success. Laura and Natasha are showing that two leaders can be better than one.. Since November 2022, Laura and Natasha have been redefining leadership through a successful job-sharing arrangement.
Starting as Senior Advisors for Engagement and Performance, they stepped into a shared Team Leader role last year in June 2024. Their partnership proves that flexible work in leadership positions can provide professional growth, leadership opportunities, and also personal wellbeing.
Laura and Natasha in the office.
Laura and Natasha bring different perspectives, strengths and ideas to the table, helping their team solve problems and move work forward with confidence.
“The benefits for us in a job share arrangement are getting two minds on the job,” said Natasha. “We offer two sets of ideas, two different perspectives and thoughts about tackling situations, thinking through issues and coming up with the best plan for moving the work forwards.”
Laura added, “With shared responsibilities, we can maintain better work-life balance, leading to good motivation to get the work done. It can also improve performance as we don’t like letting each other down so work doesn’t fall over.”
Balancing career and family
Both Laura and Natasha are mothers of three school-aged children. Job sharing has allowed them to continue growing their careers while being present for their families.
“Sharing the workload with a trusted partner eases the pressure that comes with full-time roles. Knowing that Tash can pick up where I left off helps me mentally switch off from work when I’m not there,” said Laura.
Natasha added, “The greatest benefit for me is absolutely the ability to continue to build my leadership career, while also having time to spend with my family outside of work.”
A seamless partnership
Their success comes down to strong communication and process. They use handover emails, shared trackers and regular catch-ups to stay aligned and ensure consistency in leadership.
“Tash and I collaborate well and support each other, both professionally and personally,” said Laura. “We bring different strengths and perspectives to the role, which enhances our ability to problem solve and get the job done.”
“Communication is critically important,” said Natasha. “For example, we have handover emails, shared activity trackers and have regular catch ups and phone calls to ensure we are both across all important aspects of our role.”
They also credit their leader for backing their arrangement and giving them the flexibility to manage both work and life while still delivering on their responsibilities.
“Our leader backs our arrangement and understands that we have a lot going on outside of work,” said Natasha. “She allows us the flexibility to manage both our professional and personal lives, providing we still deliver on what we need to in our role.”
Breaking the myths
Lauren and Natasha with the Engagement and Performance team
There’s a common belief that job sharing leads to lower productivity. Laura and Natasha’s experience proves otherwise.
“Job sharing provides opportunity for two leaders to bring complementary strengths, this duality only enhances leadership in the team,” said Natasha.
Laura added, “Some will argue that job sharing means less productivity. This is quite the opposite for our arrangement. We are more focused, efficient and intentional with our time. Job sharing can actually enhance performance and outcomes when done well.”
Their story is more than a flexible work arrangement. It’s a clear example of how we’re enabling inclusive and innovative ways of working. We’re proud to support models of working like Laura and Natasha’s and initiatives such as our Return to Work Program to help our people lead, grow and thrive.
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