Working hours can differ when you have a part-time job, as there is no single standard that defines the number of hours in a day or week that constitutes part-time work. Whether your role is considered part-time or full-time may depend on the number of hours you are expected to work in a week and how the employer categorizes the employment status.
What is a part-time job?
Generally, a part-time job is one that requires a person to work fewer hours in a week compared to an employee considered full-time. According to the Fair Labor Standards Act, employers determine how to classify their employees. However, there are various ways that employers (and the law) can use.
Legal Definitions
Definitions of part-time work can vary. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics considers workers who work less than 35 hours a week to be part-time. However, the Internal Revenue Service considers more than 30 hours a week or more than 130 hours a month to be full-time. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act uses the same 30-hour-per-week standard as the minimum for benefits eligibility under the law.
Working hours in part-time jobs
Part-time work schedules can vary. When you are hired for a part-time job, the hours and days you are expected to work may be predetermined (often through the job listing), or your schedule may be flexible and set on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis at the employer’s discretion.
For example, here are some possible job announcements that indicate schedules:
- “We can be very flexible regarding the scheduled days and hours for part-time employees.”
- “You will have the option to choose between part-time and full-time roles with morning, afternoon, and evening shifts.”
- “The schedule is Monday to Thursday, with shifts lasting 10 hours, and both part-time and full-time positions are available.”
How to find out the number of working hours per week
Before agreeing to a part-time job, it is important to understand what the role requires and whether it suits you. Here are some ways to find out how many hours you will work when hired for a part-time position:
- Review the job listing: Carefully read the job description before applying. You may be able to determine how flexible the job is and how many hours and days you are expected to work in a week.
- Know your availability: You may be asked about when you can work (days/hours) on the job application, so know your availability before applying. Many employers are flexible and will work around the schedules of students, parents, retirees, and people with time constraints and other commitments.
- Ask during the job interview: If the schedule is not mentioned beforehand, it is acceptable to inquire about the work schedule during the job interview if the interviewer does not ask about your availability first. Prepare a list of your available days and times (and days/times you are not available) to share. Flexibility is always a plus as it makes it easier for the employer to arrange coverage.
Benefits and perks for part-time employees
In some cases, part-time workers may be entitled to benefits from the company. Some benefits are mandated by law, while others are offered to part-time employees by employers.
Company-provided benefits
The benefits received by part-time employees may differ from those entitled to full-time employees, but many companies are generous regarding benefits offered to all employees. For example, the Publix grocery store chain offers a long list of benefits available to all eligible employees. These benefits may include an employee stock ownership plan, group health insurance, dental and vision plans, tuition assistance, and advancement opportunities. Additional benefits may be available for eligible full-time employees, including paid vacation and paid holidays.
Benefits
Legal Benefits
Some benefits are provided by law regardless of your employment status. Benefits may be mandated by federal, state, or local law, and vary from state to state. For example, the Affordable Care Act requires the provision of health insurance for individuals who work at least 30 hours per week.
Family and Medical Leave
The federal Family and Medical Leave Act provides unpaid, legally protected leave for eligible employees who have worked 1,250 hours during the 12 months prior to taking leave. This equates to about 24 hours per week, so part-time workers may have the right to take unpaid leave from work if they meet other requirements (size of the company and duration of employment).
Some states also provide Family Leave programs. In New York State, for example, employees who work a regular schedule of less than 20 hours per week are entitled to paid family leave after working 175 days, which do not need to be consecutive. Employees who work a regular schedule of 20 hours or more per week are eligible after 26 consecutive weeks of work.
Unemployment Compensation
Unemployment insurance benefits are managed at the state level, and eligibility for partial unemployment depends on the state you work in. It also depends on whether you qualify for unemployment compensation based on your employment history.
Workers’ Compensation and Disability Insurance
Workers who suffer from job-related injuries or serious medical conditions may be entitled to workers’ compensation insurance coverage through federally managed programs. Each state also sets its own eligibility rules for workers’ compensation in case of injury or illness that occurs due to work. In most states, all employees are entitled to benefits.
There are also federal and state programs that provide benefits for disabled workers. Some states require employers to provide disability coverage, while others do not. Employers who provide coverage may offer short-term or long-term coverage, or both.
Check with your employer, your state’s workers’ compensation office, and USA.gov for benefits and insurance for people with disabilities, or your state’s Department of Labor to learn more about workers’ compensation and disability insurance in your area.
Source: https://www.thebalancemoney.com/how-many-hours-is-a-part-time-job-5206437
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