HR Glossary

Part-time Employee

What is an Part-time Employee?

A part-time employee is someone who works less than the standard full-time hours. Part-time employees may work anywhere from less than 20 hours per week to less than 35 hours per week. They are often given a pro-rated or reduced salary based on the number of hours they work. Part-time employees are not always given the same benefits as full-time employees, but they may be able to qualify for benefits if they work a certain number of hours per week. Part-time employees are a great option for businesses that need extra help but don’t want to commit to hiring a full-time employee.

Why do companies use Part-time Employees?

There are a number of reasons why companies may use part-time employees. One reason may be to save on costs. Part-time employees may receive a lower hourly wage than full-time employees, and the company may not have to provide them with the same benefits. Part-time employees may also be less expensive to train.

Another reason companies may use part-time employees is to give employees more flexibility. Some employees may only want to work part-time, or they may need to work part-time because they are also taking care of children or elderly parents. Part-time employees may also be more available to work odd hours or to cover for other employees who are absent.

Finally, companies may use part-time employees because they are not able to find full-time employees. The economy may be weak, and there may be a lot of competition for jobs. Or, the company may be located in a rural area where there are not enough people to fill full-time positions. Part-time employees can help to fill these positions and still allow the company to operate at full capacity.

What are the challenges of Part-time Employees?

There are many challenges that come with hiring part-time employees. One of the most common issues is that part-time employees often have other obligations that can interfere with their work schedule. This can make it difficult to find a time when everyone is available to work. Additionally, part-time employees may be less motivated to work since they are not working as many hours as full-time employees. This can lead to lower productivity and less commitment to the company. Part-time employees can also be more costly for companies, as they often require benefits that are not offered to full-time employees. Finally, part-time employees can be more difficult to manage, as their availability may change frequently.

What are the barriers to Part-time Employees?

There are a number of barriers to part-time employees. One barrier is that many companies do not offer part-time positions. A study by the Society for Human Resource Management found that only 27 percent of companies offer part-time positions. This is likely due to the fact that part-time employees are often paid a lower hourly wage than full-time employees and companies may not want to pay the same wage for fewer hours worked.

Another barrier to part-time employees is that it can be difficult to find part-time work. Many part-time jobs are in the service industry and are often in retail or food service. Part-time employees may also be limited to evening or weekend shifts.

A third barrier to part-time employees is that they may not be eligible for benefits. Part-time employees are often not eligible for health insurance, retirement benefits, or paid time off. This can be a deterrent for those who are looking for part-time work.

A final barrier to part-time employees is that they may not be able to find work that fits their needs. Many part-time employees are looking for a job that allows them to balance work and family responsibilities. However, many part-time jobs do not offer this flexibility.

Subscribe

Stay one step ahead.

Be the first to hear about tips, tricks and data-driven best practices for HR professionals.