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 hiring strategy. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits and challenges of temporary or contingent staffing.
Advantages of Temporary or Interim Staff
Temporary staff offers several distinct advantages, particularly for businesses with project-based work, seasonal demands, or operations that are sensitive to external factors impacting revenue. This approach provides the flexibility to scale your workforce up or down as needed, which is crucial 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, streamlining the process further. This flexibility extends to the hiring and termination processes, making it easier to adjust your workforce according to business needs.
A knowledgeable HR professional or recruitment agency, like mPlusOne, can guide you through the legal obligations and help you make an informed decision.
Considerations Before Adopting a Temporary Staff Strategy
While the benefits of temporary staffing are clear, it’s important to also consider the potential downsides.
The changing nature of employment has led to increased demand for flexibility and work-life balance. However, this demand is often highlighted by temporary staffing 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 gig economy, although growing, still represents a small portion of the workforce. According to Syndicom, about 17% of the internet-enabled workforce in Switzerland has engaged in gig work at least occasionally. However, this doesn’t necessarily indicate a preference for temporary work. In fact, only a third of temporary workers actively seek temporary employment as their preferred option.
Challenges of Temporary Staff
One of the primary challenges of temporary staffing is the limited talent pool. Temporary hires typically need to be available on short notice, which means your pool of candidates may be limited to those not currently employed. It’s rare to find a candidate willing to leave a full-time position for a temporary one, which can significantly reduce your options.
Flexibility, while beneficial to the employer, can also work against you. Temporary employees may leave as soon as a better opportunity arises, despite your investment in their onboarding and integration. While most candidates aim to honour their contracts, they also need to prioritize their career growth.
The issue of commitment and loyalty is another critical consideration. Temporary employees may not exhibit 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 reciprocal lack of commitment.
Other risks associated with temporary staffing include concerns about data security and confidentiality, as well as the potential impact on company culture. Integrating temporary staff into established teams can be challenging, and maintaining a cohesive workplace atmosphere may require additional effort from managers.
Conclusion
Understanding the pros and cons of temporary and interim staff is essential for making an informed decision. While this approach offers flexibility and cost control, it also comes with challenges that need to be carefully managed. At mPlusOne, we’re here to help you navigate these complexities and find the staffing solutions that best fit your business needs.
About mPlusOne
mPlusOne is a Swiss recruitment agency, based in Lausanne, specializing in HR services for SMEs, organizations, and multinationals in Switzerland. Our services include headhunting and talent acquisition, temporary staffing, and Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO). With local expertise and a global network, we efficiently find top talent, saving you time and resources. Our tailored approach ensures a perfect match between clients and candidates. Partner with mPlusOne to build a stable, productive workforce.
