Chapter 20 Preparing for Your Career 583 Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Temporary Employment Full-time jobs, until recently, were the most common type of employment. Gradually, however, part-time jobs have become an important type of employment. These jobs have been created to provide fl exible, part-time working arrangements. This change means that individuals must take a greater responsibility for their own continual development because the movement away from full-time permanent jobs continues. Some employers fi nd that they are more effi cient when they can hire part-time employees and schedule employees for the exact number of hours they are needed. Some estimates state that about one-quarter of the current workforce is part-time. It is important to understand that part-time employees generally do not receive benefi ts such as health insurance or paid time off. Many part-time workers are part of what is called the gig economy. Commonly part of a musician’s employment, gigs mean being hired for a single performance. In today’s economy, many part-time, or gig workers, are given very short assignments by online companies. Internet-based companies create applications (apps) to coordinate sellers and buyers. Companies include on-demand transportation, buying and delivering food, and dozens of others. They connect people needing a job with those needing a service. The company takes a percentage of the money earned by the person who provides the service (Figure 20-4). Other contracts include: • Part-time contracts. Workers are employed for fewer hours than full-time employees. • Fixed-term contracts. Employee and employer agree in advance to a specified amount of time the employee will work. • Temporary contracts. Contracts may be full- or part-time, but the position is not expected to continue so there is a specified end date. • Zero-hour contracts. An employer is not obligated to provide a minimum number of working hours, and the worker is not obligated to accept any work offered. Essentially, the worker is on call and works only when needed by the employer, who makes contact when there is available work. On-demand transportation services are an example of this type of employment. • Agency contracts. An employment agency recruits an employee for a company and is responsible for ensuring that the employee’s rights are protected. Pause for Thought Would you prefer temporary, part-time, contract, or full-time work with one company? What are the reasons for your choice? Dragon Images/Shutterstock.com Figure 20-4. Workers who deliver groceries based on online customer orders are part of the gig economy.