Hiring and Training Part-Time Employees

2025 • Training

There are definite advantages and disadvantages to hiring part-time staffers. The biggest plus for the employer is saving money. A problem for the employee is that they are sometimes paid less for doing the same work as a full-time staff member. Unfortunately, that encourages an, “I’m just here for now” mentality that many employers criticize.

So, how can you prevent problems with part-time folks? To find out, TheVitaminSEE checked in with eyecare professionals and human resources experts.

Tip: Work in one area until the trainee is comfortable.

They all agree that successful interviewing—and training—is just as important when hiring for part-time work as it is when filling a full-time slot.

Here are a few tips on both hiring and training someone for a part-time position.

OPTICAL PERSPECTIVE

Follow-up. “After someone starts, we do a follow-up in three days,” says Diana-Canto-Sims, OD, who is co-founder of Buena Vista Optical in Chicago. “Then there is a check-in three weeks later, and again every three months for the first year. After that, it’s twice yearly.”
Learning approach. “Not everybody learns the same way or at the same pace, so be flexible,” says Jessica Schwager, ABOC, CPOT, sharing recommendations based on the training program at Webb Eyecare’s three locations in Nebraska. Whether it’s a part-time or full-time position, adds Schwager, “work in one area until the trainee is comfortable.”
1-on-1. Another suggestion? “Have [employees] train each other,” says Schwager.
Alignment. “When you are eager to fill skill gaps, it’s too easy to hire people who … don’t otherwise align with your company values,” says Daniel Abramson, CTS, founder and president of StaffDynamics. “Remember,” he adds, “it’s all about chemistry, fit, culture, and personality. These aspects are also all key to how well that person can be trained.”

BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE

There are advantages and disadvantages to hiring part-time versus full-time personnel. Here’s a look at some of the positives and potential negatives, as shared by eddy, an online platform designed to automate and streamline HR processes (eddy.com).

3 After someone starts, we do a follow-up in three days. Then there is a check-in three weeks later.

Advantages to part-time personnel:

Lower wages
No investment in benefits
Seasonal/temporary needs
Flexibility in scheduling

Disadvantages to part-time personnel:

Higher rate of turnover
Potential difficulty scheduling
Lower level of engagement

Hiring employees to work less than 40 hours a week can definitely help a small business financially. The important thing, however, is to make sure it’s right for your practice and your specific needs.

Do you have any part-time employees? If so, tell us a few advantages of hiring someone who is not full time and share in the conversation on Facebook here.