Part Time Shifts

What is part-time work?

Part-time work is a type of employment in which an employee performs job duties according to a work schedule that involves fewer hours than a full-time schedule, whether the employee works daily or on certain days of the week. It is often used to describe jobs that do not require full-time commitment or that offer flexibility in the number of working hours, provided that the hours do not exceed half the usual number of working hours at the establishment.

Article 2 of the Saudi Labor Law defines part-time work, referred to as “part-time employment,” as follows: “Part-time employment is work performed by a part-time employee for an employer for working hours that are less than half of the establishment’s usual daily working hours, whether the employee works daily or on certain days of the week.”

Meanwhile, the Procedural Guide for Regulating Flexible Working Hours defines it as work performed by an employee who is not exclusively employed by one or more employers, with pay calculated on an hourly basis, provided that the employee’s working hours with any single employer are less than half of the establishment’s standard working hours. 

Why is a part-time work system important?

A part-time work system is of great importance to both workers and companies, as it meets many needs, such as:

Providing greater flexibility for individuals

It allows many individuals who are not available for full-time work to set their own hours in a way that fits their other commitments, such as students working during their free time or on breaks without affecting their studies, mothers balancing work and family responsibilities, or individuals who prefer part-time work to pursue other activities or interests, such as further education.

Improved Work-Life Balance

Part-time work helps alleviate the stress that can arise from full-time employment and allows employees to spend more time with their families, pursue recreational or educational activities, or simply relax.

Promoting Diversity in the Labor Market

Part-time work encourages broader participation in the labor market, as it enables individuals with diverse experiences and backgrounds to participate in the workforce in a way that suits their schedules and expertise, or provides them with the opportunity to gain new experiences and become familiar with the labor market and its requirements. It also allows companies to attract a diverse talent pool, including people with unique skills or practical experience who do not wish to work full-time.

Meeting the Needs of Seasonal and Temporary Businesses

Many businesses, particularly in the retail and service sectors, need additional staff during seasonal periods or times of increased demand. The part-time work system allows these companies to hire additional employees to cover these periods and enhances their ability to adapt to changing market needs.

Cost Savings

Hiring part-time employees reduces payroll and benefits expenses compared to hiring full-time employees, allowing companies to continue their operations and improve service efficiency without incurring high hiring and payroll costs that exceed their capacity and workload.

Improved Productivity and Employee Satisfaction

Part-time workers can be more focused, which boosts productivity and reduces burnout. Additionally, employees who enjoy flexibility in their work schedules tend to be more satisfied with their jobs, leading to increased loyalty to the company and improved overall performance.

Reducing Unemployment

The part-time work system allows individuals who cannot find full-time jobs to secure positions with fewer hours that provide them with an income. In addition, individuals working part-time can use this work to gain professional experience and increase their chances of securing full-time jobs in the future.

What are the conditions of the part-time work system in Saudi Arabia?

The part-time employment contract in Saudi Arabia aims to provide a set number of working hours for part-time workers, increase productivity within organizations, and meet their labor needs for positions that do not require full-time work. A number of conditions must be met under the part-time work system as stipulated by the Saudi Labor Office, the most notable of which are:

• Number of Working Hours: Part-time working hours must be less than half of the total working hours, or the standard working hours at the establishment for the contracted position. In the part-time employment contract template provided in the Regulatory Framework Document for the Human Resources Executive Regulations,the hours are specified as either 20% or 40% of the official working hours, noting that the regulation clearly stipulates that the hours must be less than half of the approved working hours, i.e., less than 4 hours per day.
• Employment of Saudi Nationals Only: Foreign workers are not eligible to benefit from the part-time work system for flexible working hours in Saudi Arabia, as the system is reserved exclusively for Saudi nationals to promote employment opportunities for Saudis.
• Flexibility in Working Hours: The employee and employer may agree on working hours within the employment contract, with the possibility of adjusting the number of hours later by mutual agreement between the parties. The hourly wage is specified in advance in the contract and is paid on a monthly or weekly basis, as agreed.
• Maximum Working Hours: Under flexible working arrangements, the maximum number of hours is 160 per month. Hours exceeding 95 per month are considered overtime, for which the pay—by mutual agreement—may be equal to the basic hourly wage agreed upon in the contract; for part-time work, the pay is half the usual hourly rate.
• Probationary Period: Part-time employees are not subject to a probationary period, as is the case with full-time contracts.
• Health Insurance and Leave: Part-time employees are entitled to health insurance and leave as agreed upon in the contract and as stipulated in the Labor Code regarding rest periods; however, they are not entitled to end-of-service benefits. Registration with social insurance is mandatory under a part-time employment contract, and flexible employment contracts are subject to the pension branch; however, the employee is not entitled to paid leave because compensation is based on the number of hours worked.
• Compensation upon Termination: If an employee is terminated without just cause, they are entitled to claim compensation in accordance with the terms agreed upon in the contract or as stipulated in the Labor Code.
• Drafting and Renewal: A part-time employment contract must be in writing and clearly drafted to specify its duration, the number of working hours, and the days worked. It may be renewed, by mutual agreement between the parties, for a similar period or any other duration. For flexible working hours, the contract must be electronic and notarized, and its duration with a single employer must not exceed one year, whether continuous or intermittent. Upon exceeding this period, the contract may be extended, renewed, or a new employment contract may be entered into, subject to all provisions of the Labor Law.

What is the difference between part-time and full-time work?

Full-time employment requires an employee to work regular hours, typically totaling 40 hours per week, often spread over five days at eight hours per day. Under this arrangement, the employee receives a full salary and benefits from all allowances and privileges, including end-of-service benefits and other perks.

Full-time employment is the ideal choice for individuals seeking continuous professional development, as it offers greater opportunities for training and career advancement, and supports long-term personal and professional growth.Among the most notable benefits of full-time employment are:

• Financial stability: It provides a steady and regular income that helps individuals with long-term financial planning.
• Employment Benefits: Such as paid leave and end-of-service benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development: It offers better opportunities for promotion and career advancement compared to part-time work.
• Building Professional Relationships: Full-time work fosters strong relationships with colleagues and management.

Some of the key differences between part-time and full-time work include:

• Full-time work hours are longer and exceed twice those of part-time work, totaling about more than 40 hours per week.
• Part-time work offers greater flexibility than full-time work, allowing employees to accommodate other commitments.
• Full-time work offers comprehensive employment benefits and greater financial stability.
• Full-time work offers broader career development opportunities, in addition to having a greater impact on an individual’s professional and personal growth.

How many hours are in a part-time work schedule? What factors influence this determination?

The number of working hours in a part-time arrangement varies according to laws and business needs. Saudi law requires that the number of part-time working hours be less than half the total working hours at the establishment, and they are often fewer than 4 hours per day. Pay for part-time positions is calculated based on the number of hours the employee works; therefore, the more hours worked, the higher the income.

The number of part-time hours and their schedules are influenced by several factors, such as:

• Nature of Work: Part-time work hours vary depending on the type of job. For example, retail jobs may require employees to work during specific times of the day, while work hours for writing or teaching positions can be more flexible.
• Employee Needs: Some people may choose to work fewer hours to make time for school or family responsibilities.
• Company needs: In some cases, companies may need employees to work during specific times of the day or week, which affects the number of hours assigned.

What challenges might the part-time work system face?

Despite the many benefits that the part-time work system offers to individuals and companies, there are some challenges that employees and employers may face, such as:

Lack of employment benefits

Part-time workers are often denied many of the benefits enjoyed by full-time workers, which makes part-time jobs less attractive in the long run for individuals seeking financial and professional stability.

Financial challenges

Since pay is tied to the number of hours worked, part-time employees may find it difficult to achieve financial stability compared to full-time workers. Some part-time workers resort to holding more than one job to bridge the income gap, which can increase their stress.

Limited Opportunities for Professional Development

Although there are some limited opportunities for advancement in part-time work, employees working on an hourly basis or for a limited number of hours often face difficulties in securing promotions or accessing training and professional development opportunities.

Challenges in Time Management

Although part-time work offers flexibility, some employees may find it difficult to manage their time or achieve a work-life balance, especially if they hold more than one job. This can lead to feelings of burnout and difficulty managing their time effectively.