Part-time work in the 21st century

Who is part-time work intended for?

Based on a legal provision (Section 241), pregnant women, as well as mothers after maternity leave who care for children under the age of 15 or another person in the household dependent on their help, can apply for part-time work. Communication and agreement with the employer are important.

The arrangement regarding the change in the employee’s working hours fund must be negotiated in writing for both parties. Students, active pensioners, employees dealing with lifestyle diseases, and those interested in further education and upgrading their qualifications can also apply for part-time work.

Naturally, it depends on the type of job position. The employer must carefully consider whether they can properly cover this employee so that organisational confusion and insufficient work efficiency do not occur.

What is the usual scope of part-time work?

A six-hour working hours is popular, as it allows the employee sufficient contact with the working environment while providing space for the effective functioning of family life and the care of preschool or school-age children.

Employers are also willing to provide a half-time, quarter-time, or even eighth-time job. This allows job sharing with other employees, which, when work shifts are properly planned, translates into greater employee satisfaction and work efficiency.

💡Tip: Pay attention also to the article: Where to get money outside of work?

Which companies most often offer part-time work?

If your current life situation prevents you from working full-time, try to actively search for job offers with shortened working hours. Focus on online job portals, as well as the offers of the local Labour Office (úřad práce, ÚP).

In which professions do you have a realistic chance of succeeding? Working hours can be reduced by agreement in healthcare, trade and commercial activities, the IT technology sector, and education. Conversely, expect failure primarily in manufacturing companies with continuous operations.

Calculation of working hours versus holiday 2021

The amendment valid from the beginning of 2021 states that your holiday depends on the number of hours worked, not on the number of days worked. This brings fairer conditions precisely for employees who work part-time. However, shift workers gain more advantageous conditions.

An employee who works under a standard employment contract, meaning 8 hours a day 5 days a week (40 hours a week), is entitled to 20 days of holiday (160 hours). For a half-time job (20 hours a week), it is 10 days of holiday. For a six-hour job (30 hours a week), it is 15 days.

The disadvantage of part-time work is the fact that occasional overtime work has no fundamental impact on increasing the number of days of regular holiday. The employee can therefore choose between working on an agreement to complete a job (dohoda o provedení práce, DPP) or taking time off in lieu. It mainly depends on the agreement with the employer.

Another sensitive area is the reduction of regular holiday due to unexcused absence. The rule here is that your holiday will be reduced by exactly as many hours as your hourly absence lasted in the given year. In case of short-term health issues, it is better to use sick days, which most employers commonly provide to their employees (usually 5 days a year).

If the holiday entitlement is not used up in the given calendar year, it is possible to carry it over to the new year. But beware, everything has its rules. It must necessarily be a holiday entitlement exceeding 4 weeks, and only the number of hours exceeding the limit of the established 4 weeks can be carried over. Carrying over holiday must be arranged with the employer and requested in writing.

💡Tip: Also read the article: SWOT analysis: uncover your opportunities and threats in time

Part-time work and its benefits

By shortening your working hours, you gain more time for family, but also space for further personal fulfilment. The opportunity to accompany a child to an after-school club, or further education with the vision of career growth, is tempting.

It also brings these benefits:

• Greater employee interest in the work task.
• The worker has more space for rest, which leads to higher performance, concentration on work, and creativity.
• The employee does not lose contact with the working environment and team, maintains their knowledge, and has an overview of changes.
• The job position can be shared by multiple employees.
• It can be combined with work on an agreement to complete a job (dohoda o provedení práce, DPP), home office, or business.
• It gives the employee an incentive and space for further upskilling and professional growth.

Part-time work and its disadvantages

Shorter working hours are an interesting benefit that the company offers primarily to mothers with children, but also to tried-and-tested employees whom it is meant to assist in solving a difficult life or family situation. It is a great short-term solution. However, from a long-term perspective, it is more suitable to work full-time.

Problems associated with part-time work:

• It cannot be obtained without the employer’s consent.
• Irreplaceability in shift operations.
• Administrative burden when sharing a position among multiple workers.
• Lower earnings and company benefits.
• Shorter holiday.
• Problem with paying for overtime.

It is better to have all arrangements confirmed in writing by your employer. If they require you to work beyond the set working hours, you have the right to actively defend yourself.

Part-time work is an interesting option for enriching the labour market. However, it must be handled with caution. It prevents the loss of contact with an expert who is key for the company. It motivates employees to higher performance and further qualifications. It is also beneficial for workers with certain limitations or school graduates. However, before you decide on this form of working hours, consider all the aspects it involves. It is also necessary to monitor whether your employer is paying your contributions correctly.