Unlike full-time work, part-time work does not have fixed working hours. In any case, it is provided for in the employment contract and can last up to 30 hours per week. It is clear that part-time work can be granted at the request of the employer or the employee. Part-time work, like everything, also has pros and cons.
Request for a part-time contract
There are many reasons that can lead to the choice of a part-time work contract, which can be requested by both the employee and the employer.
On the initiative of the employer.
The employer may require its employees to sign a part-time contract because it is facing financial difficulties. Therefore, employees are forced to accept reduced working hours in order to avoid dismissal.
At the initiative of the employee.
Employees may also request part-time work for personal or professional reasons, especially for family reasons. The employee must submit a request to this effect to his/her employer, indicating in this request the new working hours he/she wishes to work and the date on which the part-time work will begin. Of course, the employee’s request may be rejected because there is no work available in his occupational group.
It is important to remember that the employee’s decision to work part-time is neither a disadvantage nor a reason for dismissal. Moreover, the change from full-time to part-time or vice versa requires an amendment to the employment contract, which the employee must comply with.
Part-time work – pros and cons
Part-time work – pros
When companies are looking for highly qualified professionals, some profiles may have limited time availability, so part-time employment contracts are the best solution.
The employee is paid in proportion to the work performed, so the company can make significant savings as it spends less on employee salaries.
The working environment within the company is better and the employees’ motivation to work is higher. Most problems that occur in the workplace are due to overwork. Workers who are exposed to excessive workload suffer from deterioration of their mental abilities and productivity. In other words, part-time work promotes greater engagement at work. It also significantly reduces the phenomenon of absenteeism.
The part-time employee enjoys the same rights as the full-time employee, i.e. the same number of paid vacation days per year (but proportional to the hours worked). In terms of remuneration, the law also prescribes the principle of equal pay for equal qualifications. In case of absence due to a family event (wedding, birth, etc.), part-time work is not penalized, but leave is paid on the basis of hours worked.
Part-time work offers great flexibility in working hours.
Quality of life. A part-time contract offers the opportunity to find a balance between personal and professional life. For many, part-time work is an option to have more time to relax, take care of children, start a business or even for health reasons. It’s a lifestyle choice that can be very interesting.
A part-time employment contract in one company does not prevent you from working for another company; the exclusivity clause does not apply. So it is possible to work part-time for two different companies.
Part-time work – cons
Severance pay and pensions remain proportional to the actual hours worked.
It is also difficult to advance professionally. It is unlikely that a part-time employee will advance professionally.
Only full-time employment allows you to work overtime.
What are part-time jobs?
There are many jobs that are compatible with part-time work, both temporary and permanent contracts.
The occupations where employers are most willing to accept part-time workers are personal services, administration, cleaning, catering, retail, etc.
