As a small business or start-up venture still finding their feet, hiring temporary staff is definitely something worth considering.

Short-term cover for periods of absence

Whether it’s maternity leave, an extended holiday, or sickness, there is going to be work that needs covering. Temporary staff are the perfect solution to bridge the gap for the time being.

Meet the highs and lows of seasonal demand

Demand comes and goes, you don’t need us to tell you that. Small businesses and start-ups are particularly sensitive to this ebb and flow so it’s advisable to employ staff in a flexible way.

With temporary workers, you employ extra hands as and when you need (or can afford) them.

Utilise niche skills and experience

Hiring in temporary staff allows you to recruit specific skills and expertise for the duration of a particular project that needs them.

Different types of temporary contracts

There are different ways to hire in temporary staff. These are a few of the most popular.

A fixed term contract – Both employer and employee work to a specified end date and the contract usually cannot be terminated by either party before then.

A zero-hours contract – This type of contract means no work is guaranteed and only tasked when it is required. It works both ways though, as the employee has the right to either accept or decline work.

Agency recruitment – Employment is done via a third-party company who find the right match for you but remember, this comes at the expense of an additional commission fee.

Freelance hiring – In this case, the employee will be self-employed and therefore responsible for their own tax and National Insurance. Hiring is typically carried out on a project-by-project basis in this case.

The questions you should be asking

Whether it’s a freelancer or a fixed-term employee, there are a number of things you’re going to want to look out for in good temporary staff. The best way to ascertain this information is to ask the right questions from the beginning.

• How quickly can you adapt to a new working environment? This will tell you how seamlessly they’re going to fit in with processes, existing staff and your company culture.
• What experience do you have in this industry or a similar business? You need to know they’re going to be able to hit the ground running and do a great job without too much assistance.
• Why are you looking for temporary work (rather than permanent employment)? This will just help you get to know their motives a little better. Look out for people who are wanting to learn, expand their skills or try their hand at a new kind of project.

Are you a small business owner who prefers to hire temporary staff over permanent employees? Let us know!

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About The Author

Elizabeth Hughes

A content writer specialising in business, finance, software, and beyond. I'm a wordsmith with a penchant for puns and making complex subjects accessible. Learn more about Elizabeth.

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