Temporary workers are indispensable for helping companies access the talent and skills needed to thrive in today’s dynamic business environment. As organizations continue to realize the benefits, the use of temporary staff continues to increase globally. The $201.7 billion US staffing industry is almost $50 billion larger than prior to the pandemic and expected to grow by 3%-5% in 2024 according to Staffing Industry Analysts. The recently published Global Gig-Economy Market report further projects a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.88% from 2021 to 2031, emphasizing the increasing reliance on temporary workers globally.

Companies continue to rely on temporary hires as part of their workforce strategy due to the advantages and flexibility provided by on-demand talent models. To better understand the key drivers behind organizations’ utilization of temporary staff, we polled our community for their insights.

In your opinion, what is the top benefit of hiring temporary staff? (single answer)

• Ability to try out 37%
• Cost-effectiveness 28%
• Access to specialized skills 20%
• Instant expertise, no ramp-up 15%

37% chose the ability to try out workers on a contract basis before making permanent hiring commitments. Utilizing temporary staff not only enables organizations to meet immediate needs but also acts as a safe and proactive tool for talent assessment. Organizations can evaluate a candidate’s fit with the company culture and job requirements before extending a permanent offer, resulting in long-term success through better-informed hiring decisions.

28% highlighted cost-effectiveness as the top benefit of using temporary staffing. By paying temporary workers only for hours and projects completed, rather than providing ongoing salary and benefits, companies can realize notable cost reductions. Organizations can strategically leverage temporary staff to balance budget constraints while accessing critical skills.

20% of respondents prioritized access to specialized skills. Temporary staff, with their specialized expertise, provide businesses with the ability to tap into niche skills that may not be readily available within the existing workforce, ensuring a competitive edge in the market and enabling organizations to focus on core business activities.

Lastly, 15% of respondents selected no ramp-up time as the top benefit of utilizing temporary staff.  While a smaller percentage, this response indicates the immediate value that experienced temporary professionals bring to a project. Instant expertise can be crucial in scenarios where businesses need to address urgent challenges and require seasoned professionals to hit the ground running.

In the fast-changing business landscape, temporary staffing empowers organizations to be agile and flexible in their human capital strategy. The strategic use of temporary workers for talent assessment, cost-effectiveness, access to specialized skills, and instant expertise collectively contributes to the dynamic and adaptive workforce that organizations require for sustained success.

At Stage 4 Solutions, we recognize the evolving needs of organizations in building a resilient workforce. With dedication to client success, we have served over 125 organizations since 2001, addressing critical resource gaps across marketing, IT, and operations. We help organizations gain access to a talent pool that not only meets immediate needs but also aligns with their long-term goals.

Let us contribute to your goals by providing the agility, expertise, and cost-effectiveness that you need for sustained success. Please let us know how we can help.