Part-Time vs Full-Time Employees in Singapore: Which Is Better for Your Business?

Running an F&B business in Singapore comes with a unique set of challenges—from high rental costs to fluctuating customer demand. One of the most critical decisions you’ll make is how to build your workforce. Should you hire full-time staff for stability, or go with part-time workers for flexibility?

In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between part-time vs full-time employees in Singapore, so you can decide which hiring model makes the most sense for your operations.

What’s the Legal Difference in Singapore?

Under Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower (MOM):

• Full-time employees generally work at least 35–44 hours a week and are entitled to full employment benefits.
• Part-time employees work less than 35 hours a week and are covered under the Employment (Part-Time Employees) Regulations.

Benefits of Hiring Full-Time Employees

Many F&B businesses choose full-time staff for consistency. Here’s why:

✅ Stability & Loyalty

Full-timers often stay longer, reducing turnover and training costs.

✅ Operational Coverage

They provide dependable manpower for opening and closing shifts, weekends, and holidays.

✅ Team Culture

Permanent staff help maintain a consistent brand experience for your customers.

Best for:
Restaurants with predictable daily volume, high-end dining, or multi-outlet franchises.

Benefits of Hiring Part-Time Employees

If your business sees spikes in activity—weekends, school holidays, or festive seasons—part-time staff may be a better fit.

✅ Cost Efficiency

You only pay for hours worked. No full-time commitment or benefits overhead.

✅ Flexibility

Scale up or down based on footfall or special events.

✅ Wider Talent Pool

Tap into students, freelancers, or semi-retirees who prefer flexible gigs.

Best for:
Cafés, bars, events-based catering, or hawker stalls with peak-hour demand.

Hybrid Hiring: Why Many Businesses Do Both

Rather than choosing one over the other, many savvy business owners are combining both staffing models:

• Full-timers for core operations and management
• Part-timers to support peak periods and one-off events

This approach keeps your labour force lean, agile, and cost-effective.

How to Hire Smarter in Singapore’s F&B Scene

Whether you’re leaning toward part-time or full-time, your recruitment process needs to be fast, reliable, and stress-free.

Here’s where Anytime Work makes a difference:

• Post a job in minutes
• Access verified F&B talent
• Manage schedules and payments all in one app
• Reduce no-shows with a rating system and real-time availability

Final Thoughts: Which Is Right for You?

The choice between part-time vs full-time employees in Singapore depends on your business model, cash flow, and staffing needs. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution—but there is a smarter way to hire.

• Want a core team? Go full-time.
• Need flexibility and speed? Go part-time.
• Want the best of both? Use a hybrid model with the help of a smart hiring platform.

Ready to make better hiring decisions?

Visit anytimeanywork.com and find the right staff for your business—fast, flexible, and fuss-free.