Breaking Down the Barriers to Job-Sharing

About the initiative

Screen Well partnered with Matchbox Pictures and job-sharing advocate Racheal Rauch on a first-of-its kind job-sharing initiative in Australia, which was financed with the assistance of Screen Australia.

Job-sharing has been widely discussed and recommended as a potential solution to address the long working hours and the challenging working conditions of the industry. Because of these conditions, many people cannot continue working or have left the industry due to changing life circumstances and wellbeing concerns. For these people, job-sharing is an opportunity to continue working or to return to work.

Following the initiative, our report was released in April 2024 and can be downloaded below, along with Screen Well’s recommended job-sharing plan for aspiring job-sharers. Both were developed specifically to address the barriers preventing job-sharing from becoming more widely adopted in Australia, which we believe will lead to a more sustainable, diverse, and inclusive industry.

Financed with the assistance of:

A practical path to a healthier, more inclusive industry

What is Job Sharing?

Job sharing is when two professionals share one full-time role. Each works part-time hours, but together, they deliver the full job.

Used successfully in other sectors, job sharing offers a new way forward for screen production. Creating space for those needing flexibility while retaining valuable talent and creativity in the industry.

Why It Matters

The long hours and pressures of screen work are burning people out. Many experienced crew, especially parents, carers and those managing health, are being pushed out of the industry.

Job sharing offers a solution:

  • Supports mental health and work-life balance

  • Retains skilled workers who might otherwise leave

  • Increases access for underrepresented groups

  • Brings fresh perspectives and creativity to roles

  • Encourages continuity and team cohesion

Watch the Job Sharing Masterclass

Hear how job sharing works, what the barriers are, and how you can be part of the shift.

Crew HQ + Screen Well Masterclass
Recorded 2024 | Hosted by Jonathon Dutton, Racheal Rauch & Ben Steel.

Project Team

  • Racheal Rauch

  • Jonathon Dutton

  • Ben Steel

Download the Job-Share Plan & Report

We’ve created a practical Job-Share Plan to help teams set themselves up for success and to give employers confidence.

Use it to:

  • Align with your job-share partner

  • Map out your handover and communication approach

  • Address common concerns from hiring teams

You can also download the full Job-Sharing Report, summarising our findings and recommendations for crew, producers, funders and industry bodies.

Financed with the assistance of: