Guide to understanding part-time employment

Part-time and casual employment have become important parts of the modern workforce in Malaysia. They offer opportunities for many individuals looking for a better work-life balance. In recent years, the 9-to-5 traditional work structure has experienced significant changes. Part-time employment has become popular across a range of industries.  

In this article, you'll learn about part-time work, its benefits, and its nuances. You'll also discover the differences between part-time and casual employment. Here's what the article will cover: 

• What is part-time employment?
• Benefits of part-time employment
• Part-time employment vs. casual employment
• Employment regulations and protections
• Types of part-time jobs
• Conclusion
• FAQs 

What is part-time employment? 

The International Labour Organization describes part-time employment as a job that offers fewer hours than the standard full-time work schedule. It doesn't include roles with temporarily reduced work hours  

In Malaysia, part-time hours vary across industries and companies, but they must fall within the range specified in the Employment Act 1955 of Malaysia. According to this act, part-time employees are people whose average weekly work hours are no more than 30% and don't exceed 70% of normal hours of work per week. Also, their wages shouldn't be more than RM2,000 a month.  

As a part-time employee, you're also entitled to a paid holiday on seven of the gazetted public holidays, four of which are the National Day, Worker's Day, Birthday of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, and Birthday of the Yang di-Pertuan Negeri (Ruler of the State) or Federal Territory Day. In addition, you'll have a paid holiday on any of the ad hoc public holidays listed under Section 8 of the Holidays Act 1951. 

Benefits of part-time employment 

If you're wondering if part-time employment will work for you, here is a list of benefits to help you decide:

• Better work-life balance: As a part-time employee, you'll have more personal time for other activities, such as going to the gym or spending time with family and friends.
• Flexible work hours: A part-time job allows you to better manage your time for doing daily chores or taking care of your family.
• Stepping stone to full-time employment, experience, and skill development: Working part-time gives you flexibility to pursue further studies or learn new skills for career growth.
• Higher earning potential: You can have more than one part-time job and improve your financial stability.  

Part-time employment vs. casual employment 

If you've just joined the Malaysian workforce, you're probably wondering how part-time and casual employment differ. Generally, there are four types of employment: part-time, full-time, casual, and temporary. This section shares some insights on casual employment and what makes it different from part-time employment. 

Casual employees help meet staffing needs for businesses during big projects or peak periods. They may have an irregular work schedule with no guaranteed work hours or fewer hours per week. They may not have paid sick leave entitlements or enjoy security in tenure. 

Casual employees may get higher hourly pay rates compared to part-time or full-time employees. A casual employee can be a long-term or irregular employee. Long-term casual employees are also referred to as regular casual employees. They have regular working hours each week and ongoing work.  

The usual characteristics of part-time employment include working no more than 32 hours per week and with a set number of hours and days. It's also a form of ongoing or permanent employment. Part-time employment also offers paid leave. These include annual, sick, and parental leave. There are also paid holidays and possibly paid notice upon termination. 

The main difference between part-time and casual employment is that part-time employees can expect ongoing work. Part-time employment guarantees set days or hours per week.  

Part-time workers have the security of tenure and the right to receive notice of termination, while casual employees do not. Some companies may indicate notice periods in their contract. Employers can terminate casual employees as long as the reason is not discriminatory or against an employee exercising their rights. Some examples are poor performance, misconduct, or business requirements.  

Employment regulations and protections 

While some part-time workers in Malaysia have basic knowledge of the employment law, others still don't know their ​part-time employment rights​​. Those who work part-time are protected under the Employment (Part-Time Employees) Regulations 2010, which is part of the Employment Act 1955.  

Wages and statutory monetary benefits  

In Malaysia, part-time employees are entitled to the same statutory monetary benefits as their full-time counterparts. They also receive Employees' Provident Fund (EPF), Social Security Organisation (SOCSO), and Employment Insurance System (EIS) contributions from their employers, giving them additional financial security. Some employers also offer medical allowance and other benefits to their part-time workers. 

In addition, part-time employees also enjoy the security of tenure. Employers cannot end your part-time employment without just cause or excuse. Illegal dismissals occur when an employer fails to comply with this requirement. 

• Regularisation: As a part-time worker, you have a regular employment status despite having fewer work hours. Your length of employment time determines your status, not your daily working hours.
• Overtime pay: Part-time workers who are required to work beyond the normal work hours of full-time employees will receive overtime pay amounting to at least 1.5 times their hourly rate.
• Holiday pay: If they need to work on a public holiday, part-time employees must be paid no less than three times their daily pay rate.
• Annual leave: Paid annual leave entitlements for part-time employees are a minimum of six days for workers who have been with the same employer for less than two years of service, eight days for those employed for two to five years, and 11 days if employed for five years or more.  

Types of part-time jobs 

Part-time workers include students, retirees, and other individuals who can't commit to a full-time position. Some people may also juggle two or more part-time jobs rather than having a full-time job at one company.  

​​Part-time employment may lead to full-time work, depending on the company's structure​​. If you're looking for a way to get into the company you prefer, a part-time position is a good entryway. Working part time is also a way to gain the experience you need to apply for full-time employment.  

Part-time employment is available across different roles. In Malaysia, the most common sectors are retail and hospitality; however, most industries employ part-time workers to support their staffing needs.  

Some job positions ideal for part-time employment include:  

Fitness instructor 

Fitness instructors work with individuals or groups of different ages to help them reach their fitness goals or develop their strength. Depending on your experience and certifications, you can teach different fitness programmes, such as dance classes, yoga, or Pilates.  

Insurance agent 

Insurance agents sell insurance policies​ to prospective clients, such as health, home, or car insurance​​. Tasks include talking to many different people and identifying their coverage needs.  

Administrative assistant 

As an administrative assistant, you may handle tasks such as managing calendars, answering phone calls, scheduling meetings, and completing other clerical work.  

Accountant 

Part-time accountants may work for companies or individuals. Responsibilities may include preparing, reviewing, and filing financial documents or maintaining and organising tax records.  

Tutor 

As a tutor, you can help students with their schoolwork or projects. Tutors don't usually need formal accreditation like teachers, but you'll need basic knowledge of the subject you'll be teaching.  

Computer technician 

If you're good with computers, a part-time tech support role may be a good option. You can offer valuable support on different kinds of computer-related issues.  

Conclusion 

Typically, part-time employees in Malaysia work for no more than 32 hours per week. Part-time employment offers more flexibility, as it allows you to pursue other jobs for additional income, spend more time with your family, or pursue other activities. Unlike casual employment, part-time roles ensure job security despite working less than the normal working hours.  

If you're joining the workforce for the first time, it's best to weigh your options. When considering your employment type, work out your career goals to help you choose which path to take. 

FAQs 

1. Is part-time work suitable for my career goals? 
   ⁠Possibly. If you want to have more flexibility to pursue other commitments, part-time employment could be a good way to meet your career goals. Part-time employment allows you to expand and develop your network, build skills, and gain experience while enjoying a good work-life balance.  
2. Can part-time work lead to full-time opportunities within the same company? 
   ⁠Yes, part-time employment can lead to full-time employment within the same company. Many employers opt to fill vacancies internally instead of hiring new people.  
3. What are some strategies for finding part-time job opportunities? 
   ⁠One of the most important strategies is to find your niche and explore sectors in Malaysia that may offer part-time employment opportunities. These sectors include retail, business project outsourcing, healthcare, hospitality, and education. Build an online portfolio or create a good “About Me” page showcasing your skills and experience. Add your resumé so that potential employers can easily view your skills and reach out. Expand your network, whether online or offline. 
4. What are the challenges or potential downsides of part-time employment? 
   ⁠Some of the potential disadvantages of part-time employment include potentially lower earnings compared to full-time employment, irregular or changing schedules, and inconsistent routines. Part-time employees may also have limited access to employee benefits such as healthcare and fewer opportunities for immediate career growth.