Difference Between Part Time, Temporary, and Seasonal Employees in China

Part-Time Employees

Part-time employees are typically paid on an hourly basis, and must comply with company rules, policies, and obligations, such as performance goals, safety rules, and company business practices. Even so, part-time employees generally have limited or no company benefits, such as health benefits, vacation and sick time, paid holidays, and unemployment compensation, among others, unless required by state labor laws and/or company policies.

The Chinese laws regarding part time work uses the term a part-time job. This is often simply translated as "part time work", but it is important to note that this Chinese term often implies that an employee has two or more jobs concurrently, rather than a single job on less than full time hours. This is the context that one should be aware of when trying to understand China's part time work laws.

Temporary Employees

Temporary employees, often referred as "temps", are typically hired to cover for absent employees (such as those who are on maternity or disability leave) and temporary vacancies, or to fill gaps in a company's workforce. Temporary employees may be hired directly or through a temporary staffing agency -- in which case the temp is on lease with the staffing company, but not an employee of the client company that uses its services. Temporary agencies typically charge clients 15 to 30% more than the amount of compensation given to the temporary employee, though some temporary employees may wish to negotiate their hourly rate.

Temporary workers are a growing part of Chinese businesses. According to the Associated Press, millions of people work for companies as temps, contract workers, consultants, freelancers, seasonal workers and interns. While the last recession and resulting economic uncertainty initially swelled the ranks of temporary workers, their inherent flexibility keeps them in the forefront of staffing solutions.

Seasonal Employees

Generally, seasonal employees are hired to work on a part-time basis by companies that need extra help during a particular season, typically the Christmas season. For example, large retailers, such as Wal-Mart, Toys R' Us, and Best Buy, hire thousands of seasonal employees each year to account for the increased shopping demands of the season. Seasonal employees may be hired within several industries, such as retail, hospitality, customer service, shipping/handling, and sales, and are entitled to minimum wage and overtime.

Law of employment concerns treatment, benefit, and policies. If you have any question about employment dispute, you can speak with a law lawyer in your area or just simply contact Talent Spot.