Part-Time Nation
This archived material is for informational purposes only; the information provided was accurate at the time of publication but may no longer be current.
This archived material is for informational purposes only; the information provided was accurate at the time of publication but may no longer be current.
This research brief from Guardian's 4th Annual Workplace Benefit Study reveals that in recent years, a greater number of working Americans have left the 9-to-5 career path for the “gig economy,” taking on part-time, contingent, or independent contractor positions. And while many Americans desire the advantages of a part-time work schedule, the financial disadvantages can be a deal-breaker.
At best, part-timers typically receive reduced employee benefits packages compared to full-timers. Many are ineligible to receive any benefits at all and, therefore, lack valuable medical coverage, retirement savings plans, life insurance, unemployment insurance or workers’ compensation.
Part-Time Workers Are Financially Vulnerable
Our research has found that while the flexibility of a part-time schedule may be empowering to workers, they may at the same time feel financially insecure due to a lack of employee benefits. Some statistics were discovered about this part-time workforce include:
75% are not getting medical insurance
68% are not getting any retirement savings
86% are not getting disability coverage
87% are not getting life insurance
Given the important role these benefits play in protecting the financial security of working Americans and their families, it may be time to sound the alarm for America’s growing Part-Time Nation.
Read the research brief to learn more.