The Pros And Cons Of Temporary Labor
Often in business you run into labor shortages. Your business is expanding at a rapid pace. Maybe you’ve won the bidding on a large job. Whatever the reason you are in the position of needing more help and quickly. The question is whether hiring some form of temporary labor is the right thing to do for your company? Well to figure out the answer to that question you need to know some of the pros and cons of hiring temporary labor.
So let’s start with some of the benefits of using temporary labor. One is the ease of finding an agency that can be used to facilitate hiring the workers you need. There are plenty of agencies out there that help to supply workers to companies in need. Many of them even specialize in workers for different industries. If you are in need of an accountant you can find one. Do you need clerical help, warehouse workers, or delivery drivers? Well you can find all of them too. So finding the help you need won’t necessarily be that hard of a task.
Another advantage is that the people that are hired through a temp agency are interviewed and their references checked. That way they can make sure that person is the best qualified for your businesses needs. Also when you no longer need them you can inform the agency and let them go. If the time comes that you need someone else you can go back to the agency and request that someone be sent out. Also if you find that the person that was sent to you is not suited for your work environment or that you are just not comfortable with them you can ask for a replacement.
Okay so now that we know some of the pros what’s the downside of it all? Well for starters the cost. Now for certain positions this is not a problem. A good accountant can be worth every penny. But what if you need a warehouse worker? You could find that your temp workers will cost your company more than your regular workers do. Because you are not paying the worker directly. They receive their wages from the agency. The agency sends you their bill. But just like most other things involving money everyone needs their cut. The employee needs to be paid, the agency needs to make money, insurance on the worker needs to be covered, taxes have to be paid, and whatever other expenses are associated with the worker.
Another factor to consider is what happens if you find a worker you’d like to hire full time. Often they have a contract with their agency. The contracts are usually for a set period of time. You can either employ the worker until the contract runs out and then hire them or many of their contracts have buyout options. Which means you can purchase the contract of the employee from the agency. The problem with the second option is that the buyout price can run in the thousands of dollars depending on how much time is left on the contract.
So whether you choose to go the route of hiring temporary labor or not is up to you. You just need to do some research first. Check into the labor companies in your area. Find out the various costs associated with the type of worker you are looking for. You’ll find there are plenty of agencies and workers out there for you to choose from.
Finding Work Through a Temporary Agency
Downsizing. Rightsizing. Reengineering. Whatever you call it, companies everywhere are cutting costs by reducing their labor force. While the national unemployment rate has dropped slightly in the past year, according to the US Department of Labor there are still some 7. 5 million persons out of work across the country. While this is obviously bad news for those being laid off, and even for those “fortunate” ones left behind who must cope with a heavier workload and reduced moral, it’s an opportunity for many others.
In their zeal to save money, corporate bean counters often cut too far and have to supplement their remaining staff with short-term contract workers.
For seniors unwilling to retire, students with little experience, and homemakers trying to return to the work force this can be good news as it opens the door for temporary employment. For many, these “temp” positions have become a preferred means of earning a living. Others have found temping to be an ideal vehicle leading to permanent positions.
What are the advantages of temping? One individual who worked as a temp for a year before landing a full time position with a client explained “you can take or leave any job, the hours are flexible, the jobs are from everywhere in every field. There is just so much variety and freedom in temping. ” Some so enjoy working as temps they prefer it to regular permanent employment.
A temp assignment may last a single day or many months. As you move from client to client you have the opportunity to see a range of procedures and styles. This adds up to valuable experience you carry with you to future jobs. Paul Hagler of Action Staff in Tulsa, Oklahoma, who has been in the employment industry for 13 years, explains, “The employee becomes a more rounded and more productive staff member in the future by seeing the processes of many different offices. ”
Of course, with the variety of work comes the reality that clients often hire temps to perform tasks that full time employees don’t want to do.
As one temp put it, “You sometimes get the grotty jobs that no one else wants. ” It may be work that’s tedious and repetitious, or work that requires virtually no ability. This can be particularly difficult to endure if you have greater skills and know you could be doing something else.
As a temp you enjoy a flexible schedule full time permanent employees often envy. If you’re only available certain days of the week, most agencies can accommodate that. If you need an extended time off and you’ve proved to be a good worker, your agency will be glad to have you back when you return.
The drawback is that you also are at the whim of client’s schedules.
While good employees are in high demand and can usually find sufficient work, there may be slow times when the phone doesn’t ring. Dry seasons are particularly common during summer months when students out of school and looking for ways to pay for next year’s tuition flood the job market.
You may be told an assignment will last several weeks, plan your schedule accordingly, and then the client cancels the contract.
Be forewarned that you may meet prejudice as a temp. Some of your coworkers or clients may clearly demonstrate their view of temps as second-rate employees who only work temp because they can’t make it in a “real” job.
Some people wont bother to get to know you or even extend common courtesies since you’re not going to be there for very long. They may regard you as a disposable commodity. One individual who worked as a temp for several years relates that at one location someone modified and posted a comic strip that spoke of temps as mindless losers who run around in circles waiting to be stepped on like ants. Not very complimentary.
Horror stories aside, if you do your part you are just as likely to meet many kind and considerate people and will probably make new friends.
Perhaps what most prospective temps want to know is how much they’ll get paid. As with any job, it varies. Some workers find their hourly wage may be higher when they temp. One employee, Andy, reports that, “The pay was a little higher through the temp agency,” but goes on to say that the benefits and added bonuses received with a permanent position offset the lower salary. These can include pension plans, health and insurance coverage, accumulated sick days, employee discounts, and so forth.
While more firms are starting to include these and other benefits, many still have no such arrangements or offer them to long-term employees only.
It’s unlikely you’ll get even a vague estimate of possible salary the first time you contact an agency. Pay scales depend on a number of factors; the type of work being performed, the client company, the ability of the agency to negotiate a reasonable wage, and perhaps most of all your own skill and experience.
Because of the wide range of employment firms in existence it’s important to choose your agencies carefully. Find out first what type of work the agency offers. If you’re looking for general clerical and the agency supplies mostly factory or warehouse positions you wont get the amount of work you need. If the agency specializes in legal secretarial and your background is medical, look elsewhere. If you have experience in a particular area such as legal, medical, or accounting, be sure to work with an agency that specializes in that field as you’ll probably pull a higher salary.
As competition among agencies increases, the range of services and benefits they provide to both their clients and their employees improve. Some agencies are starting to provide daycare facilities. Look for agencies that provide training for their workers. This may be computer training in the form of one or two day courses or self-paced tutorials. It may include time management, personal counseling, and other life skills.
As you learn new skills, either with the agency or on your own, be sure to keep your coordinator at the agency informed so she can use you for more and better paying assignments.
Another factor to consider when choosing an agency is its reputation.
Do you know anyone who’s found work there? Did the agency treat them well? Some agencies seem to regard their employees as numbers rather than people and show it by a lack of respect and concern. A good agency will always treat you with dignity, regardless of your experience or training.
They will try to work with your specific needs rather than just dumping you in favor of someone else.
How many agencies should you register with? Most temps agree that your chance of finding sufficient work varies directly with the number of agencies you register with. This seems only fair. Client companies often work with several agencies to fill specific requirements and to get the best price. Agencies draw from a large pool of employees to ensure they can match the right person with the necessary skills and schedule to the right job. By registering with several agencies you can almost ensure steady work. You can gradually remove from your list those agencies that don’t call or that pay poorly.
Unfortunately, not all agencies see it this way. Some agencies may simply drop you if they find out you’re working for the competition.
Don’t sign any exclusive contracts unless you’re sure you’ll really be able to get the amount and type of work you need. In all cases, remember the old adage that honesty is the best policy. Don’t try to hide that you’re registered with other agencies, but don’t feel obligated to name those agencies either.
Perhaps one of the greatest advantages of working as a temp is that you can “try out” a company before working for them full time. This doesn’t mean you should just submit an application at a company where you’re temping.
Client companies usually have an agreement with agencies stating that, should they wish to take a temp on full time, they’ll do so through the agency.
Action Staff, mentioned earlier, actively promotes this process with a service they call Temporary to Permanent. It allows both the client and the employee to evaluate each other for 30 days without commitment.
The program is so successful that Paul Hagler reports that about 35% of his employees go permanent after completing the contract assignment.
One of the reasons Action Staff is so successful at satisfying client and employee needs is the extra effort they put into preparing employees for specific clients. Paul continues, “We can . . . prepare temporary employees beforehand with any tests that may be given by the client company and/or videotapes directly relating to their business. In short, most of our temporary employees know much more about the client company than they would in any other pre-employment situation. ”
Even without such an arrangement you may still land a permanent position.
Kimberly Belfiore of Olsten Temporary Services admits, “We lose at lot of good temps that way. ” While it’s often just a case of being in the right place at the right time, there are definite steps you can take to improve your prospects.
Don’t leave it to chance that your agency will tell you of an opportunity to go full time. When you first register let them know your goals.
Anita, who found her present position while temping, comments, “I always let them know I’d like to be full time within six months and they usually come through. ” If a particular assignment seems to be going well and you like the client, call your coordinator and remind her of your desire for permanent work.
While on assignment keep alert to signs the client may soon be hiring.
Many companies post job openings internally before looking elsewhere.
Watch for notices on cafeteria bulletin boards and on the internal e-mail system. If you see a posting inform your coordinator at the agency.
Even if you’re not interested in the position it may be right for someone else.
Simply being sent to a client that’s intent on hiring doesn’t guarantee you the job. Whether you’re hired or not will still depend on you.
Certainly your skills and ability to perform the required job functions are important but there’s something else even more essential.
Employers are often willing to train the right person. How do they define “right”? Answers Paul Hagler, “The ability requested more often than anything else by our client companies is dependability. Our studies show that an employee that shows up to work, on time, every day — is more likely to be converted to a full time employee by the client company than one that has better skills. ” A mature, professional deportment will take you a long way.
Finding full time employment can be a job in itself; hunting through want ads, filling out applications, going on interviews, all without getting a paycheck. An easier alternative for many is temping. You can continue looking for a permanent job while receiving valuable training and experience, while at the same time generating a good income, often as much as or even more than you’d normally make. But once you experience the freedom and excitement of temping, you may decide a permanent job isn’t necessary after all.
Points to Consider When Applying For Temporary Jobs
The current down turn in the economy has resulted in massive layoffs across the country. Many people are now looking to seek employment in a company as a temporary employee. If you are currently unemployed, a temporary job may be the solution to meeting financial obligations as well as giving you a competitive edge to finding full-time permanent employment.
When applying for a temporary job, it is important to consider the following points:
- The length of a temporary job can be as little as a week or up to several months. If you are currently employed, you may want to consider the length of a temporary job before you accept employment. If you are currently unemployed, taking a temporary job, no matter what the length, will be of great financial benefit as well as ensuring that there are not any gaps in your resume.
- If you have had a difficult time with a past employer, a temporary job may be just the solution for you. Because an employer knows the job is temporary, there tends to be a more of a friendly and amiable working relationship.
- It can often be difficult finding a temporary job on your own. There are temporary job agencies whose purpose is to match employers with temporary staff. These agencies have the contacts and job postings available. They even provide skill training programs. You should consider checking to see if there is a temporary employment agency in your area.
- With temporary employment, one will not usually have the added benefit of health insurance, vacation pay, sick pay. . . etc. You may want to consider acquiring your own private health care plan. If you sign up with a temporary employment agency, ask their advice about acquiring health insurance.
- Temporary jobs can provide you with a variety of new skills while keeping you out of the unemployment arena. You will acquire a vast range of skills and work experiences which potential full-time employers will find impressive.
- When seeking temporary employment, make sure that you are flexible and open-minded. Although it may seem like you getting a pay cut compared to a previous job, you have to remember that there are many people out there in your situation. Look at the positive side of the situation. You are working and bringing in income while searching for a full-time permanent job.
- Focus on the company you will be working for temporarily. Learn as much as you can and acquire new skills where possible. Show the company that although you may be a temporary employee, you are a valuable asset who is willing to work hard and learn. You may make a great impression which could possibly result in a full-time employment offer.
When employment circumstances are grim, temporary work can bring much needed stress and financial relief. Temporary work lets employers know that you are employable, a hard worker, and willing to take on new tasks. In many companies, it is often easier to get hired internally rather than applying from the outside. With a positive attitude and keeping your resume up-to-date, it may not be long before you find yourself with a permanent full-time job.
The Pros of Working at Temporary Jobs
Have you ever noticed that just about every job advertisement for a full time job specifies that you must have experience? How do you get experience if you can get a job? One way of getting the experience you need to land a permanent position is to apply for temporary jobs that require your particular qualifications. When the job is finished you have the experience and another reference to add to your resume. A temporary job is also a good opportunity for you to see if you like working in a specific environment and to add to your repertoire of skills.
What Do You Want To Know About Temporary Car Insurance
There are many types of insurance available. Most insurance companies work hard to establish policies and protection that meets the specific needs of their customers at a price you can afford. But even with all policies and different types of coverage available there are still times when the insurance coverage will not work for the situation you are in insurance companies are often very large and have been in business long time. That works to the advantage of a person who is in a unique situation that requires special assistance from a vendor. Thanks to his daily habit of all requests that its customers have made since the founding of the country, there is usually a policy or plan is available somewhere within the company that is already created to fill a special need. Temporary Car Insurance is one of these types of policies. Temporary insurance policies car provided a wonderful opportunity for a person to be protected in situations where your insurance policy set can not provide coverage. For example, if a person wants to test drive a car and go further than much car insurance will protect a person may obtain a temporary motor insurance for test drive. This is especially convenient when the test unit takes place in a way that there may be hazards or heavy traffic. If there is an accident during the test drive of temporary car insurance cover the incident without worry of policyholders and demand will not be added to its established policy so that interest rates will not increase. Another excellent use of temporary car insurance is when they travel or go on vacation with friends and family. Perhaps you will share driving responsibilities with family members who know do not drive as safely as you do or with friends who have only led to the occasion. In that case you can include all party members on term insurance policy and no matter who is driving when the accident occurs you personally will not be responsible. When you rent or borrow a van, truck, car or move furniture or transport several people, Temporary car insurance will provide an opportunity to do so protected and safe. If the truck, truck, car or broken or stolen, your Temporary car insurance policy will cover the replacement or repair of the vehicle. Temporary car insurance policy is extremely flexible. You can secure any number of people going to drive your vehicle, you can customize your insurance to your specific needs, and you can get immediate coverage for those times you need to drive a new car off the car lot or take a trip on a leased vehicle. In addition, Temporary car insurance provide competitive pricing structures and insurance rates updated daily, so if you only have to purchase the insurance for a day, you are not obligated to pay a premium for it long term. Temporary car insurance is available to any licensed driver ages 21 to 75 years of age. And, is available for a period of one twenty-eight days. There are limitations in achieving temporary car insurance you have to wonder about when to seek appropriate temporary car insurance provider for you.
