1. What is the difference between part-time work and compressed hours?

Part-time work means working fewer hours than a standard full-time role, while compressed hours involve working full-time hours across fewer days. Both offer flexibility, but they suit different lifestyles and preferences.

2. How many hours is considered part-time work in the UK?

In the UK, there is no fixed number of hours that defines part-time work. However, it typically means working fewer than 35 hours per week, which is the usual threshold for full-time employment.

3. How do compressed hours work?

Compressed hours allow employees to work their full contracted hours over fewer days. For example, someone might work four longer days instead of five, giving them an extra day off each week while maintaining full-time status and pay.

4. What are the benefits of part-time and compressed hours for employees?

Both arrangements support better work-life balance. Part-time work offers more free time during the week, while compressed hours give employees longer breaks without reducing their income. They can both help reduce stress and improve overall wellbeing.

5. Do companies offer both part-time and compressed hours options?

Yes, many companies now offer both options as part of their flexible working policies. You can find verified employers that support flexible schedules, including part-time and compressed hours, on Flexa.

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What do part-time & compressed hours mean?

31st Oct 2025

In this blog, we will delve deeper into the difference between part time & compressed hours and more. We will cover :

The difference between part time and compressed hours
The benefits of part time work and compressed hours
Leading companies with part time and compressed hours
How to find a job with part time or compressed hours

What is the difference between part time and compressed hours?

Part-time work and compressed hours both offer employees a better work-life balance, but it’s important to understand the difference between the two. Part-time work means working fewer hours than a standard full-time role. In the UK, full-time employees typically work around 35 hours or more per week, so anything less than that is usually considered part-time.

Compressed hours, on the other hand, involve working full-time hours over fewer days. For example, completing 37.5 hours in four longer days instead of five.

What are the benefits of part time work?

Flexibility: Part time work offers greater flexibility, meaning employees can better balance work with other commitments such as education, childcare, or personal interests. This means working the hours that fit your lifestyle, reducing stress and boosting your overall wellbeing.

Work-Life balance: Part time work can contribute to a healthier work-life balance by allowing more time for leisure activities, family responsibilities, and self-care. With fewer hours committed to work, you can recharge and enjoy a fulfilling personal life.

Skill development and experience: Part time roles often provide valuable opportunities for skill development and gaining work experience. Whether it's a stepping stone into a new industry, honing specific skills, or transitioning back into the workforce after a break, part time work can offer a platform for growth and learning.

What are the benefits of compressed hours?

Extended weekends: One of the most appealing perks of compressed hours is the longer weekends. By working longer hours on fewer days, employees can enjoy an extra day or two off each week. This extended downtime means time for more relaxation, recreation, and quality time with family and friends.

Reduced commuting costs and stress: Working fewer days means fewer trips to the office, resulting in reduced commuting costs and less time spent stuck in traffic or on public transportation. This reduction in commuting stress can lead to greater overall job satisfaction and improved work-life balance.

Increased productivity: Research suggests that compressed work weeks can lead to increased productivity. With longer uninterrupted blocks of time dedicated to work, employees can focus more deeply on tasks without the interruptions that often occur in traditional workdays. This heightened focus and concentration can result in greater efficiency and productivity.

Companies offering part time or compressed hours

Are you tired of endlessly scrolling through job sites in search of part time remote jobs or companies open to compressed hours? Don't worry – we've got you covered! Here some of the most flexible companies offering part time roles and compressed hours. These companies have our Flexa seal of approval, meaning they've been benchmarked against tens of thousands of data points and verified as genuinely flexible places to work.

Maersk: With over 100,000 employees across 130 countries Maersk is a global leader in logistics services and can offer you the opportunity to grow and evolve in a truly diverse workplace.
Microsoft UK: Microsoft's mission is to empower every person and every organisation on the plant to achieve more. When you join Microsoft, you’re not just taking on a job, you’re embracing a calling. A calling where your individual contributions amplify into a collective force.
Mondelēz International: Home to some of the most iconic brands including Cadbury, Maynard’s Bassetts, Philadelphia and Ritz, Mondelez’s vast portfolio of products are loved and trusted by millions of households across the UK.
9fin: 9fin's proprietary technology delivers fast and comprehensive financial, credit, legal & ESG analysis. Our clients are able to make faster, more informed decisions, win more business and most importantly, save time.
Adaptavist Group: The Adaptavist Group is a global family of companies with one common goal: to make business work better. They combine the best talent, technology, and processes to make it easier for our customers to excel—today and tomorrow.
Atom Bank: Atom Bank were founded in 2014 as the UK’s first app-based bank, and were the country’s first digital only bank to be granted a regulatory licence. Whether you want to make the most of your savings, apply for a mortgage or take out a loan for your business, they provide simple, secure products that can make a difference.
Battersea Dogs & Cats Home : Battersea aim to never to turn away a dog or cat in need of help. They give each one lots of love and expert care and get to know their characters and quirks so we can find them a new home that’s just right for them.
Airbus: Airbus is a global leader in aeronautics, space and related services. In 2020, it generated revenues of €49.9 billion and employed a workforce of around 150,000.
MBDA: As a leading company in the defence industry, we deliver essential military capabilities for each branch of the Armed Forces - with specific expertise in missiles and missile systems.
Mars UK: Mars is a global leader in consumer goods, renowned for its commitment to sustainability, innovation, and creating a positive impact on society.
Mars France: Mars is a global leader in consumer goods, renowned for its commitment to sustainability, innovation, and creating a positive impact on society.

How to find a part time job or role with compressed hours

Finding the right role for you is simple with Flexa! Our platform offers comprehensive search filters to help you discover companies open to part time roles and compressed hours. We've simplified the process into 4 simple steps to kickstart your search.

Start by creating a Flexa profile to stay updated on all the companies recruiting for part-time jobs and roles with compressed hours, and even get recommendations straight to your inbox!
Browse companies offering part-time and compressed hours. Check out their live feeds to get a glimpse of their work environment and follow them to receive notifications when they're hiring if they don’t have any roles available.
If they are hiring, simply click on it to read the full job description and hit 'apply now' when you're ready to submit your application.
If you're not ready to apply just yet, you can save the job to your profile for later.

FAQs about part-time work and compressed hours

1. What is the difference between part-time work and compressed hours?
Part-time work means working fewer hours than a standard full-time role, while compressed hours involve working full-time hours across fewer days. Both offer flexibility, but they suit different lifestyles and preferences.
2. How many hours is considered part-time work in the UK?
In the UK, there is no fixed number of hours that defines part-time work. However, it typically means working fewer than 35 hours per week, which is the usual threshold for full-time employment.
3. How do compressed hours work?
Compressed hours allow employees to work their full contracted hours over fewer days. For example, someone might work four longer days instead of five, giving them an extra day off each week while maintaining full-time status and pay.
4. What are the benefits of part-time and compressed hours for employees?
Both arrangements support better work-life balance. Part-time work offers more free time during the week, while compressed hours give employees longer breaks without reducing their income. They can both help reduce stress and improve overall wellbeing.
5. Do companies offer both part-time and compressed hours options?
Yes, many companies now offer both options as part of their flexible working policies. You can find verified employers that support flexible schedules, including part-time and compressed hours, on Flexa.