At one time the phrase "full-time" meant that workers received whatever benefits the employing company had to offer. "Part-time" employees were generally excluded from benefits. Since many companies are scaling back on benefits to "full-time" employees, the line between part-and full-time is certainly beginning to blur. Since many new youthful workers are not concerned about retirement, they are not overly interested in pension or even health care plans. There is a real danger for the employee that operates with this shortsightedness. Other companies are requiring that newly hired workers remain on the job for a length of time (3-6 months) before benefit packages kick in.
Questions for Discussion
1. How do the changes taking place in the kinds of benefits workers receive affect the employment relationship?
2. What implications do these changes have for employee motivation and involvement in an organization?