If you are experiencing financial troubles and need to reduce employee costs, you could offer an employee part-time hours in place of their full-time hours.  You are not legally able to compel a full-time employee to reduce their own hours because their employee contract likely states that they are entitled to full-time pay. If on the other hand, they are already employed on a part-time basis, you are legally able to reduce their hours as you see fit. Keep in mind that most employees would prefer part-time employment if the alternative meant being laid off or terminated so present the offer. Also be advised that forcing an employee to reduce hours could be considered discrimination.