Benefits for Part-Timers Up

According to a recent (Oct/Nov) survey of 1,100 respondents, BLR reports increases in the provision of benefits to part-time workers, in comparison to a similar survey conducted in late 2007, in the areas of paid time off, health insurance and life insurance.  This is good news, in a back-handed sort of way, given the increase in part-time employment that has been driven by the recession (BLR reports that 28% of responding employers have increased the number of part-time workers over the past two years).

A few highlights from the survey results:

Eligibility - The most common "minimum hours worked per week to be eligible for pro-rated benefits" response is 30 hours or more (35% of respondents).  24% of respondents set eligibility at 20 hours.

Benefits Provided - Categories of pro-rated benefits provided to eligible part-time employees include-

• Vacation (provided by 85%)
• Holidays (provided by 84%)
• Paid sick leave (provided by 60%)
• Health insurance (provided by 52%)
• Life insurance (provided by 39%)
• Also, part-time employees are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan at 59% of responding employers and in the retirement plan (presumably defined benefit) at 30% of responding employers

And, interestingly, the survey also reports that part-time employees are also eligible to participate in bonus/incentive plans at 43% of the responding employers.

More detail here.

Comments

[James]

Interesting information Ann.. I def agree, giving more opportunities for benefits for part-timers is a big help for people.. I know 10 years ago, people were getting very 'used' by the part-time status and loopholes companies used..