Hiring a permanent employee is a massive financial commitment. What if business becomes slow? What if the candidate isn’t right for the role?

Hiring temporary workers is a great way to reduce your recruitment risk. However, some temporary workers may lack motivation and could have higher salaries than permanent staff members.

Benefits

1. Handle seasonal fluctuations

Hiring temporary workers during busy spells will help you meet seasonal demands without employing permanent staff or making overtime payments.

2. Find out if you can afford the new employee

Paying another salary is a massive burden for some businesses. Find out if staff expansion is viable by testing the waters with a temporary contract.

It’s better than hiring somebody permanent now, only to make them redundant later.

3. Find the right employee

Sadly, some people just look better on paper. Hiring people on a temporary basis first is one way of finding out if somebody is right for the role you’re filling.

If the temporary worker isn’t quite what you expected, you don’t have to offer them a new contract once their existing one has expired. You can ask for a replacement instead.

4. Take the strain off your current staff

During busy periods some permanent members of staff may need support. Temporary staff can pick up administrative duties so that other employees can focus on their core tasks.

5. Maternity or sickness cover

If you know that a member of staff is on long-term maternity or sick leave, hire a temporary worker to replace them. It’s an easy way of getting the man hours you need, while reserving a permanent employee’s position.

6. Get specialist skills for a short period of time

If you require a specific skill for a set period of time, hiring a temporary team member will give you access to this skill while you need it.

Drawbacks

1. They might be on a higher salary

Temporary agency workers could earn a higher wage than your permanent staff members. If your permanent employees find out, this could cause tension and resentment.

2. Temporary workers might lack motivation

This isn’t necessarily a hard and fast rule, but some temporary workers lack motivation. It’s tough to commit to, and invest in, a role that you may not have for a long period of time.

3. You depend on the recruitment agency’s screening process

If you are considering temporary workers, make sure that you check the agency’s screening process. Don’t forget that it’s okay to ask for additional checks to be made.

4. Each temporary worker will need to be trained

Whenever you hire a new temporary worker, you will need to provide both job-specific and health and safety training. This can be quite costly, unless, of course, the same worker returns.