Johnny C. Taylor Jr. is working on your HR questions as part of the USA Today series. Taylor is the world’s largest HR professional society and the president and CEO of the Human Resources Management Association, author of “Reset: A Guide to Leaders to Work in an Era of Trending Times.”
Do you have a question? Please send it here.
Question: I am a college student who recently worked part-time summer work. For the past two weeks, my employer has relied on me for more than 40 hours a week. If I work at this rate, should I qualify for a full-time benefit? – Gordon
As a college student taking part-time summer jobs, navigating the complexities of working hours and profits can actually be perplexing. Let’s break this down to provide a clearer understanding.
First, it is important to note that the distinction between full-time and part-time employment is not universally defined by federal law. Instead, employers often determine their own criteria for classifying employees unless certain state or local laws are otherwise presented. This means that employers may have discretion to set parameters that distinguish part-time status full-time.
Given that you work more than 40 hours a week, it’s natural to question whether you qualify for full-time benefits. Federal law does not provide a one-size-fits definition, but there are some regulations that may apply depending on the situation. For example, if you work for a company with more than 50 employees under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), you are generally eligible for health insurance if you work at least 30 hours a week. Additionally, under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA), working 1,000 hours within a year may grant you the ability to qualify for your employer’s retirement plan.
It is worth reviewing the company’s employee handbook or consulting with the Human Resources Department (HR) department to understand specific policies regarding employment classification and benefits eligibility. HR can clarify the criteria used to determine whether an employee is considered full-time or part-time, and the benefits he or she is eligible to receive based on his or her current work schedule.
Balancing working hours with school commitments can be challenging, and it is essential to feel safe with employment situations and benefits. As you continue to navigate this busy period, make sure you take the time to have important conversations with HR. This will provide you with the necessary guidance and ensure you receive all the benefits you are entitled to under your employer’s workplace policy.
Best wishes, and hope that your concerns will be resolved quickly to your satisfaction.
Question: I spent my career fostering relationships with customers, colleagues and vendors. I want to start a career shift. How can I use career relationships to support job hunting? – Dina
First, let us praise you for your visionary and aptitude in fostering relationships throughout your career. It’s a skill that many overlook, but it’s a skill that can significantly mitigate the transition to new roles and industries. Effective use of these cultivated connections can provide more opportunities than expected.
Start by clearly defining your career goals. You need to be sure to understand what you are looking for in your career shift. This clarity allows you to not only guide your search, but also help connect more effectively. When reaching out to your network, make your aspirations clear: be specific about the role, industry, and type of environment you are considering. This specificity helps contacts connect with relevant opportunities and provide customized advice.
When preparing to reach out, we prioritize authentic reconnection over immediate needs. Contact former colleagues, clients, or vendors you maintain a professional relationship with. Casual coffee dates and friendly chats can go a long way in rekindling those connections. Use platforms like LinkedIn to your advantage, but don’t ignore traditional streets such as telephones and in-person meetings. The goal is to rebuild trust and make it a natural segue when discussing new career paths.
Consider expanding your network by joining professional associations within the industry you are interested in. These groups provide great opportunities to meet new contacts, continue to inform you about industry developments, and discover unadvertised job offers. Furthermore, such associations often host events, workshops and seminars. Each has a great opportunity to showcase oneself and a career aspirations to veterans in the industry.
Don’t hesitate to lean on your network for advice. People in your circle have valuable insights and may suggest training programs, workshops, or meetings that may further refine your skills. When seeking advice, acknowledge your contact expertise and express your appreciation for their guidance. This approach may build trust and encourage them to stay out of the way to support your transition.
Please contact the individual in advance if you wish to use an individual as a reference. Requiring their permission not only shows your respect, but also ensures you are ready to provide as strong advocacy as possible.
Don’t forget that networking revolves around fostering lasting and mutual relationships. Your connections can be useful now, and your success in your new role may be positioned to you to return favors in the future. Consistent engagement with networks based on integrity and mutual respect allows these relationships to flourish on a continuous basis.
Also, remember: your carrier network is dynamic – it is a two-way street, with periods of gifting and receiving. Don’t hesitate to call for support you’ve cultivated over the years. It is proof of the solid relationship you have built. Your hard work in maintaining these connections can bring great benefits over the course of your career. Good luck!
The opinions and opinions expressed in this column are the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of USA Today.