What Determines Full-Time vs. Part-Time Employment?
Whether an employee is considered full-time or part-time is determined by company policy rather than legal guidelines under the Fair Labor Standards Act in the United States. According to the American Time Use Survey, full-time workers typically work 8.5 hours per workday.
Full-Time Workweek Schedules
In the past, the standard for full-time employment was a 40-hour workweek, with overtime pay provided for nonexempt employees. However, many employers now consider employees full-time when they work 30 or more hours per week under the ACA.
With the introduction of the Affordable Care Act, a full-time employee is defined as someone who works an average of 30 or more hours per week. Companies with 50 or more employees are required to offer health care benefits to full-time employees under the ACA guidelines.
Employment Law and Hours Worked
Beyond the requirements of the ACA, employers are free to set their own standards regarding the number of hours employees work. The Fair Labor Standards Act dictates that non-exempt employees must be paid overtime for hours worked over 40 per week.
Full-Time vs. Part-Time Jobs
Employers may adjust job structures to offer more part-time positions to avoid benefits expenses. Since the last recession, there has been a trend towards hiring more part-time employees over full-time workers.
Women are more likely than men to work part-time, with about 25% of women and 12% of men working part-time in 2016. Company policy typically determines the number of hours employees are expected to work, with most designations falling between 35 and 45 hours per week.
Benefits for Full-Time Employees
Full-time employees are generally provided with benefits such as health insurance, paid vacation, and sick time that are not offered to part-time employees. It's important to understand your employment status and eligibility for benefits when starting a new job.
