When it comes to hiring a new team member, one of the fundamental questions that arises is whether to opt for a temporary contract or a full-time hire. While there are many factors to consider, this decision forms the foundation of your recruitment strategy. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits and challenges of hiring temporary or contingent staff.
Benefits of temporary or interim staff
Temporary staffing offers several distinct advantages, particularly for businesses with project-based work, seasonal demands, or operations that are sensitive to external factors that impact revenue. This approach offers the flexibility to increase or decrease your workforce as needed, which is essential for controlling costs. Typically, the duration of a temporary contract is predetermined, allowing for precise budgeting and planning.
In Switzerland, the framework for temporary employment is well established, with clear guidelines that benefit both employers and employees. The administrative burden associated with temporary contracts is often outsourced, further simplifying the process. This flexibility extends to the hiring and firing processes, making it easier to adjust your workforce according to business needs.
A human resources professional or a competent recruitment agency, like mPlusOne, can guide you through the legal requirements and help you make an informed decision.
Points to consider before adopting a temporary staffing strategy
While the benefits of temp work are clear, it’s important to consider the potential drawbacks.
The changing nature of employment has led to an increased demand for flexibility and work-life balance. However, this demand is often emphasized by temporary employment agencies. In reality, unless an employee is a highly skilled professional who can afford to choose their clients, most workers prefer stability and the opportunity to grow within a company that is willing to invest in their development.
The shadow economy, while growing, still represents only a small portion of the workforce. According to Syndicom, approximately 17% of the online workforce in Switzerland has engaged in gig work at least occasionally. However, this does not necessarily indicate a preference for temporary work. In fact, only a third of temporary workers actively seek temporary employment as their preferred option.
The challenges of temporary staff
One of the main challenges of temporary staffing is the limited talent pool. Temporary employees typically need to be available on a short-term basis, which means your candidate pool may be limited to those who aren’t already employed. It’s rare to find a candidate willing to leave a full-time position for a temporary one, which can significantly narrow your options.
Flexibility, while beneficial for the employer, can also backfire. Temporary employees may leave as soon as a better opportunity arises, despite your investment in their onboarding and integration. While most candidates strive to honor their contract, they must also prioritize their career advancement.
The issue of commitment and loyalty is another key consideration. Temporary workers may not demonstrate the same level of dedication as full-time staff, primarily because their employment is not long-term. Similarly, employers may not feel the same obligation toward temporary workers, creating a lack of mutual commitment.
Other risks associated with hiring temporary staff include data security and privacy concerns, as well as the potential impact on company culture. Integrating temporary staff into existing teams can be challenging, and maintaining a cohesive work environment may require additional effort from managers.
Conclusion
Understanding the pros and cons of temporary and agency staffing is essential to making an informed decision. While this approach offers flexibility and cost control, it also comes with challenges that must be carefully managed. At mPlusOne, we’re here to help you navigate these complexities and find the staffing solutions that best meet your business needs.
About mPlusOne
mPlusOne is a Swiss recruitment agency based in Lausanne, specializing in HR services for SMEs and multinationals in Switzerland. Our services include headhunting, temporary staffing, and recruitment process outsourcing (RPO). With local expertise and a global network, we efficiently find the best talent, saving you time and resources. Our tailored approach ensures a perfect match between clients and candidates.
