Lawyer explained who can switch to part-time work

Legal procedures and conditions have been brought to the agenda for personnel seeking flexibility in working life or wishing to reduce their working hours. The Russian lawyer's remarks on the subject open up the discussion on under which conditions a transition to a part-time working system is possible and how the rights of the worker and the employer are balanced in this process. Since such a change can be realized not only by the request of the employee but also by the initiative of the employer, it is of great importance for both parties to understand the legal framework well.

Although legal legislations generally base on full-time employment, party-time or part-time working models can be applied in the form of partially reducing working hours or wages. In this system, the employee's weekly or daily shift can be reduced below the duration determined in standard labor laws, and accordingly, a proportional decrease occurs in their salary. Revising employment contracts in this direction offers the potential to provide employees with more free time while also giving businesses the opportunity to adjust costs.

The process of switching to part-time work is not considered legally valid unless the employment contract is put into writing as an annex or an amendment clause. According to lawyers, changing working hours through a discontinuous or entirely verbal agreement is a risky situation that could lead to loss of rights and legal disputes in the future. Therefore, in case of a permanent change in working conditions, all terms must be clearly documented and signed by both parties.

The lawyer commenting on the subject, emphasizing that this transition is only possible in certain situations, stated that some employees may be obliged to work full-time due to the nature of the job. For example, there are exceptional situations where it is not possible to fill the position part-time in order to ensure the continuity and order of the work. In such cases, even if the worker requests it, the employer has the right to reject this application to maintain the efficiency of the enterprise.

From the perspective of employees, the part-time work model can be seen as an attractive opportunity to establish a work-life balance or to set aside time for education and personal development. However, the possible effects of this transition on long-term rights such as social rights, leave usage, and severance pay must be examined meticulously. Experts recommend that the relevant articles of the employment contract be examined in detail before making such a decision, and legal support be obtained if necessary.