Regular part-time employees: Overview, definition, and example
What are regular part-time employees?
Regular part-time employees are workers who are employed by a company on a part-time basis, typically working fewer hours than full-time employees, but are considered a permanent part of the workforce. Unlike temporary or seasonal workers, regular part-time employees have a continuous and ongoing relationship with their employer, though their work schedule is usually limited to fewer hours per week (often fewer than 30 hours, depending on company policies and local labor laws).
Regular part-time employees are often entitled to certain benefits and protections under employment laws, although the specific benefits may vary based on the number of hours worked, the company's policies, and the jurisdiction in which the employee works. They may receive pro-rated benefits, such as paid time off, healthcare, or retirement contributions, depending on the terms of their employment agreement.
Why are regular part-time employees important?
Regular part-time employees are important for organizations because they provide flexibility in staffing while maintaining a consistent, long-term workforce. These employees can fill specific roles or shifts that are needed on a part-time basis without the need to hire full-time staff. For businesses, employing regular part-time workers helps reduce labor costs while still meeting operational needs.
For employees, regular part-time positions offer a better work-life balance compared to full-time roles, allowing them to balance their employment with personal commitments, studies, or other interests. Additionally, regular part-time employees may benefit from the stability and job security of permanent employment, while still enjoying reduced working hours.
Understanding regular part-time employees through an example
Imagine a retail store that is open seven days a week. The store needs employees to cover busy periods during weekends and holidays, but it doesn’t require full-time staff for these shifts. The company hires regular part-time employees who work 20 hours per week on a set schedule. These part-time workers have an ongoing employment relationship with the store and may receive certain benefits, such as paid time off (on a pro-rated basis) and access to employee discounts.
In another example, a university hires regular part-time employees as administrative assistants, who work 25 hours per week to support various departments. These employees have regular schedules and are considered part of the university's permanent staff, receiving the same benefits as full-time employees but on a reduced scale.
An example of a regular part-time employee clause
Here’s how a regular part-time employee clause might appear in an employment contract:
“The Employee is hired as a regular part-time employee, with a work schedule of 20 hours per week. The Employee is entitled to receive the following benefits on a pro-rated basis: paid time off, health insurance, and retirement contributions, subject to the terms of the Company’s benefits program.”
Conclusion
Regular part-time employees are an essential part of many organizations, offering flexibility in staffing while providing employees with the benefits of permanent employment, such as job stability and access to pro-rated benefits. These employees typically work fewer hours than full-time staff but play a key role in the operational efficiency of the business. Regular part-time positions offer a balanced option for employees who prefer to work less than full-time hours while still enjoying the perks of stable, ongoing employment.
This article contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice. Cobrief is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. The law is complex and changes often. For legal advice, please ask a lawyer.