What does part-time mean?
Part-time employment exists when the regular weekly working hours of an employee are shorter than those of a comparable full-time employee in the same company. The working hours can be flexibly structured, for example through shorter daily working hours or fewer working days per week. Part-time work is not restricted to certain occupational groups and can be implemented in almost all sectors and positions – including management roles.
Legal framework
The Part-Time and Fixed-Term Employment Act (TzBfG) regulates the legal basis for part-time work in Germany. According to Section 8 TzBfG, employees are entitled to reduce their working hours under certain conditions:
- The employment relationship has existed for at least six months.
- The employer generally employs more than 15 employees.
The application for part-time work must be submitted in writing at least three months before the desired start date. The employer can only reject the application for operational reasons.
Since January 1, 2019, there has also been a statutory entitlement to bridging part-time work. This enables employees to reduce their working hours for a period of between one and five years, with the right to return to their previous working hours afterwards. The prerequisite is that the employer has more than 45 employees.
Part-time models in practice
Part-time work can be organized in various models to meet the individual needs of employees and employers:
- Reduced daily working hours: Reduction in daily working hours with the same number of working days.
- Shorter working days: Fewer working days per week with the same daily working hours.
- Job sharing: Two or more employees share a full-time position and the associated tasks.
- Flexitime: Flexible organization of working hours within an agreed framework.
- Bridging part-time work: Temporary reduction in working hours with the right to return to previous working hours.
These models enable a better work-life balance and can contribute to increasing employee satisfaction.
Advantages and challenges of part-time work
Advantages
- Increased flexibility and a better work-life balance for employees.
- Opportunity to integrate work and family commitments.
- Potential increase in employee satisfaction and loyalty.
Challenges
- Possible restrictions on career development, especially in management positions.
- The need for careful planning and documentation of working hours.
- Ensuring equal treatment of part-time and full-time employees.
Digital support through time recording solutions from ZMI
The time recording solutions from ZMI offer companies effective tools for managing part-time working models:
- Flexible working time models: Individual design and management of various part-time models.
- Transparent Time & Attendance: Precise recording and evaluation of the working hours of part-time employees.
- Compliance with legal requirements: Support in implementing the requirements of the TzBfG and other labor law provisions.
- Integration into existing systems: Seamless connection to existing HR and payroll systems.
With the solutions from ZMI, companies can make the most of the advantages of part-time work and at the same time overcome legal and organizational challenges.
Conclusion
Part-time work offers numerous benefits to both employees and employers, particularly in terms of flexibility and work-life balance. However, successful implementation requires a clear legal framework, careful planning and suitable technical support. With the time recording solutions from ZMI, companies can organize part-time work efficiently and in compliance with the law.