Which type of employee would be classified as a Full-Time Equivalent (FTE)?

A Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) is used to quantify the amount of work performed by employees in a way that represents the hours worked by full-time employees. This measurement allows organizations to assess manpower without ambiguity regarding varying working hours among different types of employees.

The classification of a full-time cafeteria worker falls under the FTE definition because they typically work a standard number of hours throughout the week, aligning with full-time employment criteria. These hours contribute significantly to an organization’s overall labor capacity and help in reporting and assessing resource needs in various contexts, including LEED certifications, which consider employee density and resource usage in their water efficiency credits.

In comparison, part-time administrative assistants, interns, and seasonal employees generally do not meet the standard full-time hours or consistency required to be classified as a full-time equivalent. Their hours may fluctuate or not accumulate to the equivalent of a full-time position, making them less applicable to the FTE measurement compared to a full-time cafeteria worker.