Jeffrey (Jeff) H. Ruzal, Member of the Firm in the Employment, Labor & Workforce Management practice, in the firm’s New York office, was quoted in SHRM, in “Full-Time to Part-Time: Educate Employees About Benefits and Compensation Ramifications,” by Allen Smith.
Following is an excerpt:
Employees who want to switch from full-time to part-time status should be fully apprised of the benefits and compensation implications—not to discourage them from switching but to ensure they’re making an informed decision. …
Compensation Considerations
Reclassification from exempt to nonexempt status is common when exempt workers seek part-time status. …
That said, “employers should create as much clarity and transparency as possible to the employee who is switching status, including any changes to classification, pay and work expectations,” said Jeff Ruzal, an attorney with Epstein Becker Green in New York City.
“It is most critical that employers provide clear notice, training and regular reinforcement to employees who are reclassified from exempt to nonexempt, as such employees are not accustomed to reporting and recording work time,” Ruzal said. “It is not uncommon for such reclassified employees to forget to clock in or out at the beginning or end of their workdays or when taking a meal period.”