Key differences between part time and full time schedules

As a manager, you may have questions about the difference between hiring part time vs full time employees. How many hours per week constitute full-time work? Is it better to hire full-time employees over part-time workers? In this article, we will address these questions and provide you with the information on key difference between part time and full time to make decisions about your staffing needs.

Part-Time vs. Full-Time: Hours

The distinction between part-time and full-time employment often depends on the company and can vary in the number of hours required to be worked per week. 

Full-time workers typically work between 32 and 40 hours per week and are guaranteed a set number of hours, while part-time workers usually work fewer hours, with a typical range of 5-35 hours per week. Part-time workers are not typically guaranteed a specific number of hours or shifts per week.

Part-Time vs. Full-Time: Cost

Another significant difference between part-time and full-time is in terms of cost to the employer. Part-time workers are generally paid on an hourly basis, meaning their pay is based on the number of hours they work each week. 

For example, if their hourly rate is $15 and they work 20 hours a week, they would receive $300 for their work. On the other hand, full-time workers are usually given a fixed salary that is not dependent on the number of hours they work. For instance, they may receive $400 per week regardless of whether they work 40 or 48 hours.

Part-Time vs. Full-Time: Benefits

There are significant differences between part-time and full-time employees when it comes to benefits. 

Part-time workers may not typically be entitled to benefits such as insurance, paid leave, stock options, or retirement assistance. On the other hand, full-time employees are often offered a comprehensive compensation package that includes these benefits as well as additional perks such as education reimbursements, childcare assistance, and more. 

It is important to note that the benefits offered to full-time employees can vary by company and some businesses may offer specific perks to their part-time workers as well.

Pros and Cons of Full-Time and Part-Time Employees

Pros of Part-Time Employees

• They cost less in terms of salary, benefits, and other expenses
• They have more flexibility in their schedules
• They are available at short notice and help to meet a business’s temporary manpower requirements

Cons of Part-Time Employees

• May demonstrate less commitment than full-time workers
• They are less knowledgeable and experienced which might affect the work quality
• Lack of experience may result in inconsistent work

Pros of Full-Time Employees

• More loyal than part-time workers
• Possess more experience and can offer consistent results
• Ensure better productivity than part-timers

Cons of Full-Time Employees

• Payroll costs for full-time workers are higher
• They are at a greater risk of suffering from a burnout
• It is difficult to strike the right work-life balance

How KNOW Can Help?

If you’re a manager, then you know that shift planning can be a real pain. You’ve got to juggle the needs of your employees with the needs of your business, and it’s not always easy to find the perfect balance. Whether you hire part-time employees, full-time employees, or both, digitizing your staff scheduling processes will help make your daily operations more efficient, and productive, and in turn, retain your workers for the long term. 

With KNOW, you can automatically schedule employee shifts to avoid mistakes and free up time for other tasks.  You can set hourly or weekly limits for full-time or part-time employees, and get notifications if anyone goes over that limit. Your employees can also view and change their schedules from their phones, and you can track their work hours and generate 1-click reports from the easy-to-use dashboard.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What does a full-time schedule look like?

A full-time schedule typically involves working a set number of hours per week, usually at least 35-40 hours. The specific hours and days of the week may vary depending on the needs of the employer and the employee’s availability. Some full-time schedules may involve working a traditional 9-5 schedule from Monday to Friday, while others may involve working a rotating schedule or shifts. Some full-time employees may also be required to work overtime or be on call as needed. Overall, a full-time schedule generally involves a consistent and predictable work schedule with a set number of hours per week.

What does a part-time schedule look like?

A part-time schedule typically involves working fewer hours than a full-time schedule. The exact number of hours may vary depending on the company and the specific role, but it is generally less than 35 hours per week. Part-time schedules may also vary in terms of the days of the week and times of day that an employee works. For example, a part-time schedule could involve working a few hours each day, a few days per week, or a set number of hours per week on specific days. Some part-time schedules may also involve evening or weekend work.

Is 6 hours a day 5 days a week part-time?

Whether 6 hours a day, 5 days a week is considered part-time or full-time can depend on the company’s definition of part-time and full-time work. In general, part-time work is typically defined as working fewer hours than a full-time schedule, which is often considered to be 40 hours per week. However, some companies may define part-time work as working less than 35 hours per week or a specific number of hours per week that is less than their full-time requirement. 

How long can a part-time employee work full-time hours?

It depends on the company’s policies and the specific agreement between the employer and the employee. Some companies may allow part-time employees to work full-time hours on a temporary basis, such as during busy periods, or to cover for a full-time employee who is absent. Other companies may have a maximum number of hours that a part-time employee is allowed to work in a given period, such as per week or per month. It is important for both the employer and the employee to understand the terms of the part-time employment arrangement and to follow any rules or policies that may be in place.

How many hours does a full-time employee work?

A full-time employee typically works around 40 hours per week, although the exact number of hours can vary depending on the company and the specific role. Some companies may require full-time employees to work slightly more or less than 40 hours per week. In general, a full-time schedule involves working a set number of hours each week on a consistent basis, as opposed to working on a part-time basis, which typically involves working fewer hours.

Can a full-time employee’s hours be cut?

Yes, a full-time employee’s hours can be cut. However, it is important to note that reducing an employee’s hours may have an impact on their benefits, such as insurance coverage, and other perks that are often tied to the number of hours an employee works. 

It is important to communicate any changes in an employee’s schedule and the potential impact on their benefits to ensure that they are aware of the situation and can make any necessary adjustments. It is also important to consult with HR or legal counsel to ensure that the company is following all relevant laws and regulations when making changes to an employee’s schedule or benefits.

Can a full-time employee take unpaid leave?

In most cases, full-time employees are entitled to take unpaid leave. However, the specific policies and procedures for taking unpaid leave may vary depending on the company. Some companies may have specific guidelines and processes in place for requesting unpaid leave, while others may allow employees to request leave on an as-needed basis. 

Is it illegal to make a part-time employee work full-time?

It is not necessarily illegal for a company to ask a part-time employee to work full-time hours, as long as the employee is paid for the overtime hours and the company follows all applicable labor laws. However, it is important for the company to be aware of and adhere to any labor laws that may apply, such as minimum wage requirements and overtime pay.

 It is also important for the company to communicate with the employee and ensure that they are comfortable and able to handle the increased workload. It may be necessary for the company to negotiate terms with the employee, such as additional compensation or benefits, in order to make the arrangement mutually beneficial.

Does a part-time employee get vacation pay?

It depends on the policies of the specific company that the part-time employee works for. Some companies may offer vacation pay to their part-time employees, while others may not. It is important for part-time employees to review their company’s policies and benefits packages to understand what is offered to them. Additionally, it is important for employers to be aware of any relevant laws or regulations that may require them to provide certain benefits to their part-time employees

Can a part-time employee get health insurance?

Whether or not a part-time employee is eligible for health insurance benefits may depend on the specific policies and practices of the company they work for. Some companies may offer health insurance to all employees, regardless of whether they are full-time or part-time. Other companies may only offer health insurance to full-time employees, or they may offer it to part-time employees who meet certain eligibility criteria (such as working a minimum number of hours per week).