Define Part Time Worker

There is often much confusion over what constitutes full-time versus part-time employment. It is important for employees to know what form their employment will take (full-time, part-time, freelance or temporary), as well as what benefits or perks they'll be entitled to, before they begin a new job, because these vary from company to company.

Hours

The division between full-time and part-time employment is not decided by the government. According to the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) from the U.S. Department of Labor, "This is a matter generally to be determined by the employer."

Full-time employment is usually considered 35 hours or more per week. Traditionally, under 35 hours a week is considered part-time work. There are exceptions to this rule, so the matter is decided by the employer. For example, elementary schools teachers only work approximately 32 hours a week, yet are considered full-time. A nurse may work only 24 hours per week, but if those are back-to-back, 12-hour shifts on the weekend, this may be constitute full-time employment.

Types

Part-time work may mean something different for different individuals. For example, job-sharing is a new idea that some companies are trying where one full-time job is shared by two part-time individuals.

Freelancers may work full-time or part-time on a project, and then may not work for stretches of time until their next project. They are not considered employees of a company but are, in fact, self-employed.

Part-time workers may range from someone working two or three part-time jobs to make ends meet, to a homemaker or retired individual who simply wants to put in a few hours a week and make a little extra money.

Leaves and Holidays

Part-time employees are entitled to some of the same benefits as full-time employees; however, because they work fewer hours, these will be pro-rated depending on their total hours.

According to the U.S. Office of Personnel Employment, "An employee with less than 3 years of service earns 1 hour of annual leave for each 20 hours worked; with 3 but less than 15 years of service, the employee earns 1 hour for each 13 hours worked; and with 15 or more years of service earns 1 hour for each 10 hours worked."

Part-time employees also earn 1 hour of sick leave for every 20 hours accumulated.

Health Insurance

Many employees choose not to offer health insurance to part-time employees, and they are under no obligation to do so.

However, government employees, under the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program, "receive the same coverage as full-time employees but pay a greater percentage of the premium because the Government's share is prorated based on the number of hours the employee is scheduled to work each week."

Employee Rights

All employees, regardless of whether they are full-time, part-time, freelance or temporary, are entitled to basic employee rights.

This includes everything from minimum wage regulations to breaks, to laws regarding sexual harassment or discrimination.

For any issues, contact either the U.S. Department of Labor or the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.

References

• U.S. Department of Labor: Part-time Employment
• Sloan Work and Family Research Network: Boston College: Reduced Hours Work/Part-time Work
• Find Law: Part Time and Temporary Employees
• U.S. Office of Personnel Management: Benefits for Part-Time Permanent Employees
• Finding Dulcinea, Librarian of the Internet: Part-time Employee Rights

Resources

• U.S. Department of Labor
• U.S. Office of Personnel Management
• My Employment Lawyer (MEL)