Flexible Work Schedules. The essence of this flexibility is the ability to match labor needs with the existing labor supply, maintaining a balance between the well-being of the organization and that of employees. Large numbers of part-time jobs are in retail and service occupations. A significant number are managerial and professional workers, giving rise to the concept of career part-time employment.
Older workers can use reduced hours as a means of gradual transition to retirement.
Employers may benefit from increased productivity, reduced absences and lateness, easier recruitment, and lower labor costs. However, they may also face opposition from unions, higher training costs, and greater administrative or supervisory workload. A fast-growing segment of the labor force is temporary or contingent workers. For workers, temporary jobs provide scheduling freedom and variety. They may suit those caring for children or parents, retirees, people who want supplemental income but not permanent work, and those seeking permanent jobs, such as recent graduates, reentry workers, and people between jobs or relocating.