Working Part Time: Benefits

There are four primary reasons a person goes to work part time. This include retirees who want a bit more income or socialization, parents who want to spend more time with their children, college and high school students and temporary agency workers. Many people enjoy the perks of working full time, but one major drawback is that benefits are rarely offered to part time employees.

Types of Working Part Time Benefits

Most people are hoping for health insurance and retirement benefits when taking a job. Traditionally, companies only offer benefits to employees who work 30 hours or more a week. This is only a 25% reduction in hours, so it doesn't free up a lot of time for the employee who needs part time hours. Even when a part timer is offered health benefits, they are rarely offered paid time off and retirement benefits. Dental benefits are almost never offered to part time employees.

Working Part Time Trends

Many businesses hire part time employees for the simple reason of saving money. If they work less than a certain number of hours, they don't need to pay for benefits. There are companies, however, that are beginning to offer benefits to part time employees. This includes benefits for health, paid time off and 401k or retirement plans. Some companies have begun to offer this in order to retain high quality, trained professionals that just want part time hours. If a company wants a qualified employee, they will have to compete with other companies. People who may only want part time may be forced to take a full time job to get the benefits. Companies who offer benefits to part timers have a leg up by offering more choices to their employees in terms of hours.

Finding Part Time Work Benefits

Conducting an internet search is probably the quickest way to find companies that provide benefits for part time employees. Many large corporations like Starbucks, Barnes and Noble and Whole Foods offer benefits to part time employees among other things. Look for companies that offer a team approach with their employees. Employees are given choices and part of decision making in the business. Businesses that allow employee input are more likely to offer benefits to part timers.