While you are thinking if we are about to go into a poetry class with our topic, just know it extends beyond that. Our post title on per diem is a frequently asked question. People ask what per diem job means and if it is also practiced in Nigeria.
A per diem job is a type of employment arrangement where an individual is paid a daily rate for their work, rather than receiving a salary or hourly wage. The term ‘per diem’ is Latin for ‘per day’, and it refers to the daily payment structure. So, if you know anyone whose job requires a daily payment rather than an hourly or salary payment, they are working per diem jobs.
What Does a Per Diem Job Means?
Per diem jobs are often used in industries where workers are needed on a temporary or as needed-basis, such as healthcare, transportation, and hospitality. This is a type of job that is said to have various benefits.
One of the benefits of having this kind of job that pays daily is that it has flexibility, that means workers get to choose when they want to work and can often select from a variety of shifts. This is considered to be appealing to workers who prioritise and value work-life balance.
In addition, per diem jobs provide opportunities for workers to have a handful of experience and expand their professional networks.
Cons of Per Diem Jobs
It is normal to find disadvantages or demerits associated with being paid based on a daily rate. The cons of per diem jobs include not having access to benefits, such as health insurance or paid time off. These are benefits that are important and can relieve employees’ burdens, however working per diem jobs may exclude these benefits.
Also, per diem jobs do not have job security, and the continuation of the job cannot be predicted, which may lead the workers to experience fluctuations in their income from one day to the next.
Lastly, per diem workers are subjected to be classified as independent contractors rather than employees, which can affect their tax obligations and legal rights.
In the midst of the challenges associated with per diem jobs, having this type of job can still be the saving grace for any worker.
More so, individuals who value flexibility and autonomy in their work, find per diem jobs to be fitting.
Does Per Diem Jobs Exist in Nigeria?
Per diem job does not only exist in other parts of the world, it is also practiced in Nigeria. The concept of per diem is widely applied in various industries in the country, including healthcare, hospitality, and business.
In Nigeria, per diem rates are often determined by organisations, companies, or government agencies based on the location and standard cost of living. Per diem rates in Nigeria vary significantly depending on the location, with major cities like Lagos and Abuja having higher rates than other states in the country.
