Increase in Part Time Jobs with Benefits Reported

A survey conducted by BLR in October and November of this year found: (1) “a dramatic increase in the number of organizations that offer benefits to part-time employees”: and (2) an increase in those offering part time employment. Both are good news for those seeking part time work for a variety of reasons, but the second could largely reflect job-market weakness, as many desiring full-time work may be forced to accept part time.

Key Findings About Benefits for Part-Time Workers

98% of employers responding to the survey reported offering part-time work, and over one-third reported that more than 10% of their workforce are part-time workers (21% reported more than 20% part time).
About 85% provide prorated holidays and vacation to part-timers.
There were comparable increases in paid sick leave, health insurance, and life insurance for part-time employees.
28% allow job sharing, though only 14% had any job-sharing employees.

Significant Change in Recent Years?

BLR describes these results as a dramatic change from as recently as three years ago. BLR’s survey then found only 35% of employers gave these benefits to part-time workers.

On the other hand, the majority of employers reported no significant changes in part-time employee benefits the last two years, an apparent inconsistency perhaps warranting further study.

A Few Other Interesting Findings About Benefits for Part Time Employees

Only 35% of employers reported requiring 30 hours or more for pro-rated benefits to become available. 40% required between 20 and 30 hours, with the remaining 25% at 20 hours or less.
Not surprisingly, given the cost issues, fewer employers provided health insurance to part time workers (52%) than holidays (84%), vacation (85%), and paid sick leave (60%).