If the early response is any indication, part-time work is not just a policy option in Bhutan. For many, it may be the option. Around 130 job seekers have already signed-up for the formal part-time employment system launched yesterday. The Department of Employment and Entrepreneurship, in collaboration with the Department of Labour, is currently piloting the initiative in Thimphu.
The pilot phase will run for three to six months, and the employer registration is open until 2nd June.
Up to 50 companies will be selected to participate as employers.
Officials say companies with a strong track record in providing employment, ensuring timely payment, and maintaining good working conditions and employee wellbeing will be prioritised.
Once selected, employers will post their vacancies on the system, listing wages and working hours. These will be reviewed and approved before job seekers can apply. Any person aged 18 years and above will be eligible to take on part-time work.
Tashi Tenzin, the senior programme officer of DoEE said, ‘So, basically in this pilot phase, we are targeting the employers, 50 best employers within the Thimphu region. And the reason for choosing the Thimphu region is that we will first try to monitor how things go, because this is the first time we are introducing it in the country. And after considering the lessons and feedback from the employers participating in the programme. We will incorporate it in our part-time framework, and it will be beneficial to roll out in nationwide.’’
Beyond reducing unemployment, the system is also designed to give both employers and workers greater flexibility. It could particularly benefit people who may not be able to commit to full-time employment, including students, women with caregiving responsibilities, and individuals looking to earn additional income.
The senior programme officer added that ‘‘Actually, the main objective of the part-time system is to reduce unemployment, at the same time provide skills to youth, and to support Small and Medium Entreprises, SMEs. Basically, SMEs, especially in the hospitality sector, require seasonal workers. So, they can hire part-time job seekers at any time, and they can also pay the required wages, and look for another person.’’
Officials will monitor the working hours and wage payments throughout the pilot phase through an online portal developed specifically for the initiative. Job seekers can register via https://bhutan-parttime-jobs.netlify.app/
The Department of Employment and Entrepreneurship carried out a feasibility study last year before moving ahead with the initiative.
What happens over the next three to six months will determine whether Bhutan’s part-time economy moves from the informal margins into the formal mainstream.
Sonam Yuden
