Part time to full time require a new contract?

Provided by:  Jennifer Kirschenbaum, Esq.

November 19, 2019

Question:

Hi Jennifer, 

If we have an employee going from part time to full time, do we need a new contract? 

Thanks, Dr. L 

Answer:
 
Maybe.  Whether or not part time to full time warrants a brand new contract has everything to do with the state of the initial contract, if any.  It may be that the nature of the initial agreement, assuming there is one, is imprinted with the concept of part time through out.  For instance, perhaps the employee is paid hourly, with no mention of benefits, no PTO, no vacation time, no language related to restrictions, etc. If that is the case, the agreement is likely not salvageable.  If the changes are negligible then a simple modification may be the best option.  If part time time to full time is a frequently shift for your practice employees, it may be worthwhile to invest in a flexible, modifiable agreement in the the first instance.