Full-time vs. Part-time Employment: How it Works for Remote Teams

Hiring employees worldwide gives your business access to diverse talent, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. One key decision you’ll face is whether to hire full-time or part-time employees.

This choice depends on your business needs, as well as the labor laws and cultural norms of each country. Knowing the differences can help you stay compliant and make the right hiring decisions.

What is full-time employment?

Full-time employment usually means working a set number of hours per week, often between 35 and 40 hours. These employees typically get benefits like health insurance, paid leave, and retirement plans. The exact benefits depend on the country’s labor laws. Hiring full-time workers often costs more because of these requirements.

For instance, in many European countries, full-time workers receive strong protections. They are also entitled to benefits, including generous paid leave and mandatory holidays. In the United States, there are fewer legal requirements for benefits. However, many employers still offer perks to stay competitive.

What is part-time employment?

Part-time employees work fewer hours than full-time employees, often between 20 and 30 hours per week, depending on the country. Hiring part-time workers is usually more flexible and less expensive. Benefits might not be required or are reduced.

However, some countries have laws to protect part-time workers.

In Japan, for example, part-time employees are entitled to fair wages and proportional benefits. Similarly, the European Union requires equal treatment for part-time workers to prevent discrimination.

Australian labor laws require employers to offer part-time workers benefits like paid leave and superannuation (retirement contributions) proportional to their hours worked. Full-time employees typically enjoy more robust entitlements, such as longer leave durations.

Key differences between full-time and part-time employment

The most obvious difference between full-time and part-time work is the number of hours worked. However, there are other important distinctions. As mentioned, full-time employees are more likely to receive comprehensive benefits. Part-time employees may not qualify for benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. It does depend on local laws, so it is important to research this as you hire globally.

Full-time roles often come with job security and guaranteed salaries. On the other hand, part-time jobs may offer hourly pay and more flexible contracts. Knowing these differences helps you align your hiring strategy with your business goals and local laws.

Alternatives to full-time and part-time work

If full-time or part-time roles don’t fit your needs, you can consider other types of work arrangements. These alternatives offer flexibility and can help meet specific business demands:

Freelancers

Freelancers work independently and are usually hired for specific tasks or projects. They don’t receive benefits like health insurance or paid leave. They provide extensive flexibility for short-term needs.

Temporary employees

Temporary employees are hired for a set period. These employers are usually hired to handle seasonal workloads or special projects. For example, retail businesses often hire temporary staff during the holiday season.

Gig workers

Gig workers perform task-based jobs, often through platforms like ride-sharing or delivery apps. This arrangement can be cost-effective for employers, but it usually doesn’t include benefits or job security.

Contract workers

Contract workers are hired for specific projects or a defined scope of work. This is a very common employment type, often used in fields like IT or design. Employers still must comply with local laws to ensure valid and fair contracts.

Internships and apprenticeships

Internships and apprenticeships are short-term roles focused on skill development. While less expensive, they still require you to provide training and mentorship.

Casual employees

Casual employees work on an as-needed basis. They offer maximum flexibility but may not suit roles that require consistent availability.

Each of these options comes with unique legal and compliance requirements. It’s important to research the rules in each country where you hire.

How do different countries regulate full-time and part-time work?

Labor laws for full-time and part-time workers vary widely across countries. In Europe, part-time workers often have strong legal protections. For example, they must receive fair treatment and proportional benefits. In the United States, part-time workers typically don’t qualify for benefits unless employers choose to provide them.

In Asia, there’s a mix of approaches. Japan, for instance, has strict laws ensuring fair treatment for part-time workers. India doesn’t have a fixed definition of part-time work nationally, but labor laws still apply to part-time employees, especially regarding minimum wage and working conditions.

Brazilian laws provide strong protections for both full-time and part-time employees. Part-time workers can only work up to 30 hours per week and are entitled to proportional benefits like paid vacation and the 13th salary.

In South Africa, part-time employees are covered under the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, ensuring they receive fair wages and benefits proportional to their working hours.

To stay compliant, you’ll need to understand the specific rules in each country where you hire.

Deciding between full-time and part-time employees

The choice between full-time and part-time employees depends on what your business needs. Full-time employees are better for roles that require consistent hours and long-term commitment. Think about roles such as management or key team members. Part-time employees are ideal for flexible roles, seasonal work, or tasks with lighter workloads.

For example, a company opening a new store might hire part-time staff to handle peak customer traffic. On the other hand, a tech startup might hire full-time developers to work on critical projects.

Best practices for managing full-time and part-time employees globally

Managing employees from different countries requires clear communication and planning. Start by creating detailed contracts that outline work hours, pay, and benefits according to local laws. Using a global payroll system can help you ensure accurate payments and compliance.

You also need to be transparent with employees about their rights and responsibilities. Set clear expectations, explain their entitlements, and open communication to build trust. Following these practices can create a strong and compliant global workforce.

Understanding the differences between full-time and part-time employment,

Understanding the differences between full-time and part-time employment is essential when hiring globally. You should also know where each of the options, together with alternatives, fit into a country's legal framework. Each option comes with unique benefits, costs, and legal requirements. By combining them, you can build a flexible and productive workforce that meets your business needs. But, it is crucial to stay informed and make thoughtful decisions.

FAQs

Can part-time employees receive the same benefits as full-time employees?

That depends on the labor laws in each country. In the European Union, part-time workers are entitled to fair treatment and proportional benefits. In other regions, employers may have more flexibility.

How many hours classify a worker as part-time globally?

Part-time hours differ by country but usually range between 20 and 30 hours per week. Always check local laws to ensure compliance.

What are the key challenges of managing full-time and part-time employees across countries?

Major challenges include understanding different labor laws and ensuring compliance. It is also important to navigate employee expectations regarding benefits and job security.