Considering getting a temp? Here are a few pros and cons you should consider before making the decision.
When Should You Hire a Temp?
1. You Need a Fast Recruitment:
At times, you may need someone to start working right away in your company. For instance, if one of your employees has suddenly quit or had to take a leave due to some emergency and you really need someone to fill in that position temporarily to finish the project, a good
temporary staffing firm can help you in such a situation by offering best candidates to fit in that temp position.
2. When You Want to Try Out New Employee:
For small firms that only hire a handful of people, choosing the right candidates for the limited positions is important. Most candidates sound their best during an interview but may not really be suitable for the job if offered. A great way to figure out if the employee is really the right fit is by hiring them as a temp for a short span of time. If they feel the employee is a good fit at the end of the contract, they can be offered a permanent position. If not, then you can let them go with no strings attached.
3. When you Want Cost Reduction:
Hiring a temp employee means you are not responsible for the administrative costs, such as benefits that come along with payroll. That is the headache of the hiring agency, which means you will be saving a lot of capital. Also, the best part is you can let go of this employee when your project gets over, and such need-based employment can be beneficial if you get bulk work suddenly and remain scarce for a few months.
When Not to Hire Temp?
1. When the position is Highly Specified:
When you have a specialized position to fill, you will need to train the employee to make them ready to handle the job. Hiring a temp for such a position means you will be wasting resources by training them as you will need to repeat this process again. It is better to go for a permanent employee for such a position.
2. When You are looking for a Long-Term Employee:
If there is an end date in mind, you may hire a temporary employee to finish the task. But if you have a temp sticking around for the long term, you will be risking your company's internal information. Also, there are rules set for temps who have worked for several months in an organization and become eligible for some company benefits. If you need someone to stick around for the long term, hire permanent employees that are more beneficial and practical.
3. When You Wish to Maintain Team Dynamics:
Hiring a temp is beneficial in several situations, but at times, it may cause a negative impact. Especially if a temporary worker is brought as a replacement for someone hired, it may cause anxiety in the team. Also, the temp may not focus on being a part of the team as it is not a long-term job. This may affect the team dynamics. Make sure to take note of whether the temp is working well with the team. If not, better replace them to improve the team's performance.
In Conclusion:
Hiring a temp has its own pros and cons. Better weigh both before you come to a conclusion. If you see a temp situation not working, you can contact the temp agency to send a replacement who resonates better with your company's work culture to fit in well.