It is true to say that employers in some industries would not be able to survive if not for the ability to offer a part time job. Unlike offices that are open from 9 am to 5 pm, five days a week, premises that are open for longer hours and weekends need the flexibility of being able to employ staff to work rosters.
According to the Australia Bureau of Statistics (ABS) in June 2010 (seasonally adjusted), full-time employment increased by 18,400 and part-time employment increased by 27,500; and the number of persons looking for full-time work decreased by 11,000 while the number of people looking for a part-time job increased by 10,700.
Advantages of a Part Time Job for Employers
Employers, especially small businesses, can employ a person to do a specific job on a set day or a number of days per week or a set number of hours per day. This gives the employer the flexibility to have a number of people to do specialised work within the company. For instance, a small business may need the services of a book-keeper and a data entry operator. However, there may not be sufficient work for two people to be employed for a full week, and it may not be easy to get one person who is proficient at doing both jobs. Therefore, employing two part time workers is an ideal situation for the employer.
Businesses in the catering industry need to have staff rosters which cover busy times. A restaurant or hotel may not need as many staff in the mid afternoon as they do at lunch or dinner times. Being able to offer part time jobs makes it easier for them to have sufficient staff at the required times of the day.
Convenience of a Part Time Job for the Community
There are members of the community who are unable or unwilling to work full time for a variety of reasons. It could be that students cannot work full time and continue their studies, or mothers who wish to look after the children themselves. Being able to work part time is advantageous for many reasons.
- A part-time job gives students the ability to pick and choose the days and/or hours they wish to work to fit in with their school or college time-tables.
- Mothers can choose to work the hours when the children are at school.
- Couples can structure their hours of work to enable one of them to be with the children.
- Senior citizens can opt to work a few hours to supplement their pensions.
- People who have health concerns are able to work the number of hours that would not be detrimental to their well-being.
- A part time job can also be used to supplement a full time income.
Industries and Employment Sectors Where a Part Time Job is Prevalent
Certain industries and employment categories lend themselves to part time work more easily than others. Some of the industries where part time jobs are more common are:
- Catering – Restaurants, Cafes
- Medical – Hospitals, Clinics
- Education – Schools, Colleges
- Finance – Banks; Accounts Offices
- Retail – Department stores, Shops
Employment categories that lend themselves to part time work include:
- Chefs, Waiters, Waitress
- Nurses, Orderlies
- Teachers; Lecturers
- Bank Tellers, Book-keepers
- Shop Assistants
Whatever the reasons, being able to work part time is a definite advantage to many people and a part time job can help in the transition to full time work in the future.
Pauline Mascarenhas - Born in Sri Lanka, moved to the UK and now lives in Western Australia. Mortgages and Finance are her area of expertise but loves travel, ...
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