There are many reasons to utilize the services of a temporary staffing agency. Like all outsourced business services, temporary staffing agencies can help contain overhead costs while saving time and money on recruiting efforts for host employers, plus can assist when extra demand is present.

Skilled qualified workers

Since temporary staffing agencies interview and screen personnel before sending them to host employers, companies should be reasonably confident they will receive quality candidates. In addition, temporary staffing agencies have a pool of employees who are available on short notice to host employers.

As in all relationships, the one joined by a temporary staffing agency and a host employer is more likely to be successful if both parties have a clear understanding of their respective roles.

For example, a temporary staffing agency should be able to expect temporary employees will be treated with the same dignity and respect accorded permanent employees. Host employers should be able to expect temporary employees will be knowledgeable regarding appropriate behaviour in an office environment.

It provides flexibility in an unstable economy

Smaller companies have to be able to adapt their team during busy or low periods, but hiring and firing permanent staff can be time-consuming and detrimental to morale. “Being able to bring on more workers or scale back the workforce to respond to the ebbs and flows of demand is highly desirable to business owners,” Temporary staff can also provide a quick fix for sudden turnover, long-term leaves, and special projects.

It gives your company access to new skills

The perception of the temp can tends toward low skilled workers that can’t get a fulltime position, but the reality is that temporary staff can bring new skills and perspectives to their role that can, in turn, improve efficiency or streamline production. If a new project or product requires skills outside of your team’s area of expertise, a temporary employee can provide that new talent to keep things moving.

It saves you money

While the exact logistics of temporary hires differ from venue to venue, the process is usually far more cost effective than making a permanent hire. Hourly rates can sometimes be implemented rather than a salary, whilst providing at least short-term availability benefits. However, that using these employees longer-term can result in problems from a budget standpoint: “In the short term, the cost of hiring a temporary staff member is often cheaper that the cost of committing to a permanent employee. However, temporary assignments that are expected to run for more than a couple of months may actually end up costing you more than making a permanent hire. Make sure you do your sums before you make any decisions.”

Hiring a temp is a great option for many businesses. If a member of staff has called in sick, departed suddenly, or you simply haven’t had enough time to find a replacement, then hiring a temp can make this transition easier. A temp can minimise the loss of productivity during a transition stage, provide specialist knowledge and key skills and allow for better business flexibility.