Full Time Hours

Working full time hours give employees several benefits not provided for part-timers and freelancers. 

What Are Considered Full Time Hours?

In general, a full-time employee is contracted to work a certain number of hours daily or weekly. Full-time employees undergo onboarding and may need to pass reference checks, and other background checks before they are hired for full time hours. 

But, what are considered full time hours?

Often, the company decides on how many hours must be rendered to be called a full time employee. The standard is 35 to 40 hours weekly, but that can vary depending on company policy or labour laws. Note that while companies can decide on the minimum, the government usually assigns the maximum number of hours a full-time employee can work weekly. 

Standard And Maximum Working Hours In Different Countries

Below are the standard full-time employee hours in different countries:

Philippines

Full time hours per week in the Philippines is usually 40 hours. As mandated by the labour code, employees cannot work for more than 8 hours daily and 48 hours weekly. Most companies have a 5-day work week, but others have a 6-day work week. 

Singapore

The Singapore Employment Act has a very detailed framework for working hours. The normal working hours are 8 or 9 per day, depending on whether or not the employee works 5 days a week or less. No employee shall work more than 12 hours a day unless there’s an acceptable reason (also provided by the Act). The maximum weekly working hours is 44. 

United Kingdom

In the UK, full time hours are usually 30 to 40 weekly, commonly 35. An employee cannot work for more than 48 hours per week on average (usually averaged over 17 weeks). 

Australia

How many hours is full time in Australia? As per their law, it’s generally 38 hours weekly. It is also their maximum weekly working hours. 

New Zealand

In New Zealand, full time hours are often defined as at least 30 hours per week. The maximum hours weekly is 40 hours, excluding overtime. If the number of hours per week is less than 40, the employer and employee are advised to fix the schedule in such a way that the employee works no more than 5 days weekly. 

The Benefits Associated With Full Time Hours

The first and usually most sought-after benefit of being a full-time employee is the steady paycheck, which allows predictable financial planning. Since they work more hours, they are also more likely to earn more than part-time workers. 

Employees who work full time hours per week are also eligible for some benefits not usually offered to part-time employees or freelancers. Some of the benefits include:

• More vacation time and paid time off
• Health and dental insurance
• Retirement options 
• Childcare options 

On top of these, full time hours have more job security as opposed to part-time positions that are often seasonal. Likewise, most companies have better career advancement options for their full-time employees. 

Note, however, that full-time employment is also associated with several disadvantages, such as rigidity in schedule and risk of burnout. 

The Pros Of Hiring Full-Time Employees

Organisations can also benefit from hiring full-time employees. For one, steady hours can make it easier for managers and supervisors to schedule meetings or other activities. Giving employees full time hours may also make them more committed, particularly when they feel valued and supported. Hiring full-time employees may be easier in terms of management (it’s usually easier to manage 1 full-time worker than 2 part-timers or several freelancers). 

Still, there may be cons, such as the ongoing expenses (paid time off, health insurance) even when the business is slow. 

Hence, when you consider hiring between a full-time or part-time employee, it’s best to think of your business needs as well as the time, control, and flexibility the position requires.