PTO, or paid time off, is a type of employee benefit where the company provides compensation to its Full-time hours refer to the number of hours an employee is expected to work in a week before incurring overtime pay or in order to qualify for certain employee benefits. While this designation is not laid down by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) describes a full-time employee as “an employee employed on average at least 30 hours of service per week, or 130 hours of service per month.”
Employers have leeway to determine what full-time hours mean for their workers, and many default to the 40-hour workweek consisting of five eight-hour work days.
How many hours is full time?
The definition of full-time hours may vary depending on the company and industry, but typically it refers to working 35–40 hours per week. Some companies may have a standard 40-hour workweek, while others may consider anything above 35 hours to be full-time. It’s important to clarify this with your employer so you know what is expected of you and your eligibility for benefits.
Additionally, some companies may have different definitions of full-time hours for salaried versus hourly employees. Make sure to check your employment contract or ask your HR department for clarification if needed.
How do full-time hours affect employee benefits?
Many employee benefits are typically reserved for full-time employees. These benefits can include the following:
- Health benefits: Full-time employees are often eligible for health insurance benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. This can greatly reduce their out-of-pocket expenses for healthcare.
- Retirement: Many companies offer retirement plans, such as 401(k) or pension plans, to full-time employees. These plans allow employees to save for their future and potentially receive employer contributions that increase the value of their retirement savings.
- Vacation: Paid time off, such as vacation days and sick leave, may also be tied to full-time status. This means that full-time employees may have access to more paid time off than part-time employees.
- Other: Benefits such as life insurance, disability insurance, and wellness programs may be offered exclusively to full-time employees.
Having a full-time status can also impact an employee’s career advancement opportunities, as many companies prioritize full-time employees for promotions and other growth opportunities.Overall, employing full-time workers often requires more comprehensive benefits and perks on the part of the employer, while part-time workers are “non-exempt” and therefore eligible for overtime pay should they work more than full-time hours.
