Temporary workers

Introduction
The use of contingent workers is on the rise. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics defines contingent workers as anyone who "does not have an explicit or implicit contract for long-term employment" (Phillips & Gully, 2011 pg 51). This definition includes independent contractors, freelancers, consultants, and temporary workers who may or not work for an agency. In the past 50 years, temporary workers have been crucial to many businesses, and their role in business is growing. Companies must recognize potential problems and concerns brought about by employing temporary workers, and adjust their approach to staffing.
Background
Contingent workers have long been employed to fill seasonal jobs, to complete specialized projects, and to fill in for employees on leave. When business is cyclical, companies hire temporary employees during their busy season, such as summer vacation, the winter holidays, harvest time, and tax season. Temporary staffing firms emerged in the 1960s, primarily to supply clerical and secretarial jobs (Rassuli, 2005). Some companies hire temporary help to protect regular employees from overextending themselves. Some projects require workers with a specific skill set which may not be needed the rest of the time. In this case, an organization relies a on contractor or freelancer to complete the project. Contingent workers often provide immediate temporary replacement for employees on vacation or leave (Paul & Townsend, 1998). Agencies such as Robert Half may supply companies with contingent workers with as little as a few hours notice (M. Kelley, personal communication, December 12, 2013).
Some companies employ contingent workers to screen potential candidates. Doing so allows both the ca...

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...temps. Using contingent staff for the purpose of cutting costs impedes employee morale by reducing employees' feelings of security, but using temps to enhance labor for short periods of time can actually enhance employees' sense of security (Way, Lepak, Fay & Thacker, 2010). If an employer hires contingent workers simply to save money, permanent employees may fear they are in danger of being replaced, and may treat the temps with contempt. Employees who feel contingent workers are there to assist in a time of need or to tackle an auxiliary project are more likely to embrace temporary or contract workers. ORBA's accountants appreciate the added help during the stressful tax season. Companies should be open and honest with their employees, and should be able to reassure employees that temporary workers are there to enhance, not replace, their efforts.
Conclusion