Catherwood LibraryILR School

The appeal of part-time work is growing for many, particularly mothers and retirees, but the supply of professional part-time positions is not high, though the number of part-time jobs at all levels has increased by about 10 percent in the last 10 years. Many employers, especially large companies, are wary of stepping away from the traditional 40-hour work week and balk at hiring candidates interested in a part-time schedule, even when it means turning down the best-qualified applicants. Those who seek part-time work are often drawn to the greater flexibility it offers ? mothers with young children, the younger generation, retirees unable to put in a full schedule, but there are downsides as well. Only about a quarter of employers offer health care to part-timers, and only a third of part-time workers receive retirement benefits.