How Many Hours is Part Time and Full Time in Canada?

Understanding the difference between part-time and full-time work is important for both employees and employers, especially in industries like Canada's warehouse and manufacturing sectors. While we often hear these terms, the exact number of hours that make someone part-time or full-time can vary depending on things like benefits, overtime, contracts, and worker rights.

In this article, we’ll explain what part-time and full-time work really mean in Canada, go over the legal rules, and look at how these distinctions apply to workers in the warehouse and manufacturing fields. Keep reading to get a clearer picture of how hours are defined across the country.

What is part-time employment in Canada?

While there is no national definition for the exact number of hours that constitutes part-time work in Canada, there are several key considerations that help define it within the context of Canadian labour laws, employer policies, and employee rights.

Generally speaking, part-time employees are those who work less than the standard full-time hours. In Canada, full-time work is commonly understood to involve 30 to 40 hours per week. Therefore, part-time work usually means working fewer than 30 hours per week, though this can vary by industry or employer. Some warehouses and factories may consider employees working as little as 10-20 hours per week to be part-time, while others may set their own thresholds depending on the job requirements.

There are several benefits to having part-time employees in your factory or warehouse:

• Cost savings: Lower wages and reduced benefit costs compared to full-time staff.
• Flexibility: Ability to adjust workforce based on demand, with coverage for peak hours or seasons.
• Broader talent pool: Attracts diverse workers, including students, parents, and retirees.
• Lower hiring risk: Ability to test part-time employees before offering full-time roles.
• Reduced turnover: Improved job satisfaction and retention, especially for those seeking work-life balance.
• Increased productivity: Part-time workers often focus more during their limited hours.

What is full-time employment in Canada?

Now that you know what part-time employment is Canada, what is considered full-time employment in a factory or warehouse? Full-time employees typically work between 30 to 40 hours per week, with some employers considering 37.5 hours or 40 hours as the standard. This can include regular work hours (e.g., 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday), though some businesses may have different scheduling norms.

In some warehouses and factories, full-time employment means employees are given a number of benefits, such as:

• Health insurance (medical, dental, vision)
• Paid vacation (usually 2-4 weeks per year)
• Sick leave and paid holidays
• Retirement savings plans (pensions or RRSPs)
• Job security and more stable contracts

Hiring full-time employees can provide several significant advantages for factories and warehouses, particularly in terms of stability, continuity, and employee commitment. Here are some of the key benefits:

• Higher productivity and continuity: Full-time workers provide stability, with consistent work hours and deeper role expertise, leading to more efficient operations.
• Employee loyalty and engagement: Full-time staff are more likely to be committed and invested in the company. This results in lower turnover.
• Attracting top talent: Full-time positions with benefits like health insurance and paid leave help attract and retain skilled workers.
• Team cohesion: Full-time employees build stronger relationships with other staff, improving collaboration and team dynamics.
• Legal and financial benefits: Full-time employees are eligible for benefits like vacation, sick leave, and pension plans, contributing to a happier, more stable workforce.

Do you need part-time or full-time employees?

Deciding whether to hire part-time or full-time employees for your factory or warehouse depends on several factors, including the nature of your business, workload requirements, and budget. Here are a few key considerations to help you make the right choice:

1. Workload and business needs
Think about how much work you have. If your business needs someone to work regularly and keep things running smoothly every day, full-time employees are probably the best choice. They provide stability and can take on ongoing tasks. But, if your business has busy seasons or fluctuating needs, part-time employees may be a better fit. They can help during peak times without you having to commit to a full-time salary year-round.

2. Budget and cost considerations
How much can you afford to spend on employees? Full-time workers cost more because you need to pay their salary, plus benefits like health insurance and paid time off. If your budget is tight, part-time employees can help save money because they usually don’t need the same benefits and work fewer hours. Part-time workers give you flexibility without as much financial commitment.

3. Employee skills and long-term goals
Think about what skills the job requires. If you need someone with specialized skills or long-term commitment, full-time employees might be the better choice. They can grow with your business and take on more responsibilities over time. But if you only need someone for short-term or specific tasks, part-time employees can bring in the expertise you need without the long-term commitment.

4. Flexibility vs. stability
If your business needs flexibility—like adjusting schedules or covering short-term needs—part-time employees are a good option. They’re easier to schedule and can be brought in as needed. However, if you want stability and reliable ongoing work, full-time employees provide a steady presence and help maintain consistency in your business.

Find full-time, part-time, and other workers with Noble Human Resources Solutions

Regardless of whether you need full-time employees or part-time workers for your factory or warehouse, we can help. At Noble Human Resources Solutions, we are experts at matching qualified candidates with factories and warehouses in the Mississauga, Brampton, Peel, and GTA region.



Get in touch with us by filling out the Employer Contact Form and tell us about your employee needs. We’ll connect you with the right part-time and full-time candidates that will help you reach your operational goals.