The temp industry has seen a significant rise in recent years. This is due to the many advantages that companies get from using temp agencies to staff their workforce needs (such as cost savings, flexibility, and access to a wider pool of talent, amongst many other advantages).
While the use of temps has always been widespread in certain industries (such as manufacturing, healthcare, and hospitality), the rise of the contingent workforce is now being seen in a variety of other industries as well such as I.T. services, finance, and sales.
This trend is only likely to continue, as more and more companies come to realize the benefits that temp agencies can provide. So, what are some of the reasons behind this rising popularity?
Current Economic Climate
One of the main reasons for the increased use of temps is the current economic climate. Companies are under pressure to cut costs, and one way to do this is to use temporary workers instead of hiring full-time employees. This can be a great way to save on benefits and other associated costs.
In addition, the current economic climate has also led to a rise in the number of people who are unemployed or underemployed. This means that there is a bigger pool of talent to choose from when it comes to staffing your workforce needs.
The Evolution Towards Gig Work And Flexible Hours
Gig work is also on the rise, as more and more people are looking for ways to earn money that are not traditional full-time jobs. This includes short-term or one-off projects, as well as work that can be done remotely.
As the gig economy continues to grow and the concept of not needing to work full-time for a single employer becomes accepted, it’s likely that the use of temp labor will also increase. This is because temps are often used to fill these types of roles, especially ones that don’t fit the traditional ‘gig’ model (such as longer-term projects).
The rise in flexible working hours is also playing a role in the increased use of temps. As more and more people look for ways to balance their work and personal life, temps offer a great solution. This is because they can often be brought in on an as-needed basis, which gives employees the flexibility they need.
Lack Of Autonomy
Autonomy is important to workers of all types. In this context, autonomy means the ability to decide your own responsibilities and approach to your work. Some people prefer to be part of a high-functioning team and rotate leadership roles while dividing tasks among team members. Others enjoy independence and prefer to report to a manager or supervisor. Whatever your preferred work style, you should find a company that offers autonomy and freedom.
There are many benefits to giving your employees more autonomy, including increased motivation, job satisfaction, and employee retention. Moreover, a high degree of autonomy can reduce employee turnover. However, too much autonomy can backfire, depending on the culture of your organization. While some employees thrive with little direction, others need more. A lack of supervision can be confusing and lead to a sense of disorganization. However, a good balance between autonomy and management can create a successful working environment.
Autonomy can also apply to teams. In these environments, team members manage themselves with little or no supervision. Autonomy helps team members complement each other, enhancing each others strengths and compensating for weaknesses. Employees who feel empowered are more productive and engaged. It’s also an important part of employee engagement. Studies show that workers who feel empowered are more loyal and committed to a company. So, when you are hiring a temp to fill a vacant position, consider how much autonomy is necessary.
Companies Are Being More Selective With Who They Hire
While hiring full-time staff means constant adjustments to salaries, benefits, and overhead costs, flexible staffing solutions allow businesses to scale up and down as business conditions change. This allows business owners to pay a higher rate for a select group of temporary workers while still hiring the exact skill sets they need.
Some companies use flexible staffing to hire skilled professionals with particular expertise, while others utilize it to screen potential employees for permanent positions. Flexible staffing solutions have several advantages over traditional hiring methods, which can result in high turnover.
Flexibility and Scalability
Companies are increasingly turning to temp agencies for the flexibility and scalability that they offer. With a temp agency, you can staff up or down as needed, depending on your business needs. This is much more difficult to do if you are only using full-time employees.
In addition, temps can be used to fill in for employees who are on leave (such as maternity leave or paternity leave). This can help to keep your business running smoothly, without the need to hire a replacement worker on a full-time basis.
Access to a Wider Pool of Skilled Talent
When you use a temp agency, you have access to a much wider pool of talent than you would if you were only searching for employees on your own. This is because temp agencies have access to workers from all over North America.
This means that you can find the perfect candidate for your needs, regardless of where they are located. In addition, it also means that you can find workers with the specific skills and experience that you need for your business.
Temp Workforces vs. Permanent Hires
There are many advantages that companies get from using temp agencies to staff their workforce needs. However, some businesses may be wondering if they should use temp workers or hire permanent employees.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the pros and cons of each option:
Permanent Hires
Pros:
- You have more control over your employees since they are under your direct employ
- Permanent employees are often more committed to their work and less likely to leave than temporary workers
- There may be certain positions that can only be filled by permanent employees (such as managerial positions)
Cons:
- Permanent employees can be more expensive to hire and maintain than temporary workers
- You may have to spend more time on training permanent employees
- It can take longer to fill a position with a permanent employee than it would with a temp worker
Temp Workers
Pros:
- Temp workers are usually less expensive to hire and maintain than permanent employees
- You have more flexibility when it comes to staffing your workforce needs
- It can be easier and faster to fill a position with a temp worker than a permanent employee
Cons:
- There may be certain positions that can only be filled by permanent employees (such as upper management)
- Another con to temp workers is that they may not integrate socially with your fellow employees since they will only be around for a finite period of time.
So, which option is right for you? The answer depends on your specific business. If you need to fill a position quickly and are working with a limited budget, then temp workers may be the best option. However, if you need to fill a managerial position or another role that requires a high level of commitment, then you may want to consider hiring a permanent employee.
Fortunately, MGR Workforce can help provide you with both temp and permanent staffing for your workforce.
The Bottom Line
There are many advantages to using temp agencies to staff your workforce needs. Temp agencies offer flexibility, scalability, and access to a wider pool of talent. They can also be a less expensive option than hiring permanent employees.
At MGR Workforce, we have professional temp and permanent Workers ready to hire for your project. Contact us today to inquire about availability and rates.
