The advantages and disadvantages of hiring temporary staff

For today’s businesses, hiring temporary staff can help address fluctuating workloads, fill in for absent employees, or meet seasonal demands. However, weighing the advantages and disadvantages before deciding whether temporary employees are the right fit for your organisation is crucial. 

Whenever you are looking to externally recruit, the process is usually time sensitive. Whether it’s a spike in demand for your services or product or filling a gap in your team to reduce any downturn in productivity. This time pressure can lead to decisions being rushed, so before you hire it’s important to understand the advantages and disadvantages of hiring temporary staff. 

What are the advantages of hiring Temporary Staff?

1. Flexibility

Temporary workers can help businesses adjust to their workload and scale up or down as needed. This is especially important in industries that have sudden changes in demand, like retail, hospitality, and manufacturing. Using temporary staff can also be useful if you are trying something new and don’t want to commit to a permanent employee.

2. Meeting Seasonal Demand

Temporary workers can help meet increased demand during peak seasons without long-term commitments. Employing temporary staff allows companies to manage workload spikes efficiently, ensuring a smooth transition between high and low-demand periods. Not only is this true in the retail sector but also in agriculture and the food industries; as one of the only two suppliers for the UK’s seasonal worker visa scheme for the poultry sector, we know the importance of getting the right workers in place to match seasonal demand. 

If your business is susceptible to seasonal demand, our blog on how to solve labour shortages in the UK with the help of seasonal workers is a great way to understand the benefits of hiring seasonal workers.

3. Lower Downtime

Hiring temporary staff can minimise downtime caused by employee absences or sudden departures. By quickly filling vacant positions, businesses can maintain productivity and avoid disruptions to their operations.

4. Managing Wage Bill

Temporary workers can be a cost-effective solution for businesses, as they typically receive fixed hourly rates without requiring benefits such as health insurance. This financial flexibility enables companies to manage their wage bill effectively, especially during uncertain economic times.

5. Access to Specialised Skills

Temporary staff can provide businesses with specialised skills for short-term projects or specific tasks. This expertise is invaluable when a company needs to execute a project quickly and doesn’t have in-house expertise. This also works if you do not need the skills regularly enough to justify hiring them as full-time employees.

Read our guide on hiring temporary staff for the first time.

What are the disadvantages of hiring temporary staff?

1. Competition for Hiring

Hiring temporary staff can be competitive, particularly in industries with high demand for skilled labour. However, RE Recruitment’s expertise in finding the right candidates ensures your business has access to top talent, even in competitive markets.

2. Unfilled vacancies

Unfilled positions can disrupt business operations, potentially leading to missed deadlines or reduced customer satisfaction. RE Recruitment’s efficient and timely placement services minimise these disruptions, helping businesses maintain their output. 

3. No guarantee on the standard of work

Any hiring process runs the risk of introducing someone who is not the right fit for your company; this is the same with temporary staff. They might not have previously worked to your standards or may not be able to physically do the job required. RE Recruitment’s screening process increases the likelihood of a positive outcome, and are always on hand to help whilst our candidates are being hired. 

4. Lack of Time for Training

With limited time for training, temporary employees may need help to adapt to new work environments, which can impact productivity. RE Recruitment supports businesses by providing pre-screened, skilled candidates. These candidates are ready to contribute from day one, reducing the time and resources required for onboarding.

5. Inconsistent Company Culture

Temporary employees may only partially integrate into a company’s culture, potentially leading to disengagement or reduced teamwork. RE Recruitment selects candidates who align with your company’s values and culture, fostering a positive working environment. We may even be able to provide the same employees, making it easier to embed your new hire into your team.

6. Time spent searching

Looking for people to fill temporary positions can be a drain on your time and resources. If you are continually looking to hire temporary workers throughout the year, you could benefit from an onsite recruitment solution.

RE Recruitment can help by providing you with your own in-house and dedicated consultant, or team of consultants, who specialises in hiring, interviewing and qualifying your candidates for you. You can discover more about the benefits of onsite recruitment in our linked blog to see if it’s the right fit for your business.

Partnering with a temporary staffing agency

At RE Recruitment, we specialise in matching businesses with qualified temporary staff who meet their specific requirements. By partnering with a temp agency like Re Recruitment, you can streamline the hiring process, save time and resources, and gain access to our vast pool of skilled candidates.

If you are looking to make a hire, whether it be a group of temporary staff members or seasonal cover, why not call us on 01242 505 400 for a free consultation?