AS THE number of professionals looking for a more flexible work-life balance continues to increase, a new recruitment website has been launched which aims to address the needs of those looking for part-time or contract work.
The website also facilitates employers who increasingly understand the importance of offering flexible working arrangements as a tool to retain staff.
Moreover, in the current uncertain economic environment, employers may be reluctant to hire additional full-time staff, but still have work or projects they need completed on a flexible basis.
The Flexitimers.com business is located at Nova University College Dublin, the innovation and technology transfer centre at the college.
The business was established by two female entrepreneurs, Dervla Cunningham and Joy Redmond, who saw a niche in the market which they needed themselves.
Working mothers who wish to keep their careers alive while raising a family are frequently looking for flexible working arrangements.
The website also caters for professionals for whom the usual nine-to-five, five days a week is not what they want.
The site is aiming to cater for those who want part-time employment, or freelances who prefer to work on a project or contract basis.
Also included are retired individuals who wish to continue to exploit their experience and expertise or professionals who are just looking to supplement their income.
The website currently has opportunities in a variety of areas including accountancy, nursing and human resources.
Professionals can register on the website for no charge, upload their profiles, set their "flexibility and receive e-mails of flexible positions which match their requirements.
Alternatively they can browse the company's database and apply directly for advertised positions and projects.
At the same time employers pay a nominal fee to post a position or project on the website.
The entrepreneurs behind the website have previous experience in establishing companies.
Dervla Cunningham co-founded two previous start-up companies - Zartis.com and Arekibo Communications.
Zartis, an e-business services company, was subsequently sold for €22.9 million to Boston-based Breakaway Solutions.
