How to hire temporary employees – step-by-step & temp staff FAQ

Updated on 7 August 2023

If you’re looking at how to hire a temporary employee, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.

 
Quick, easy, no commitment!

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of hiring a temporary worker, and offer some tips on how to make the most of their skills.

Video: Payroll outsourcing explained

Temp staff explained

There are a few occasions when a business might hire a temporary worker. Some of the most common reasons include:

Pipedrive logo The CRM platform to grow your business
  • Great for entrepreneurs
  • Powerful data analytics
  • Manage sales and data
Rippling logo Manage all your employee data
  • Run in 90 seconds
  • 100% error-free
  • Automatic tx filing
Wix logo Powerful web builder and advanced business tools
  • Great for startups
  • Powerful web page builder
  • E-commerce available
Planable logo Supercharged content planning
  • Great for marketing
  • Better than lists or sheets
  • Manage social media
Webador logo Create a new website in 10 minutes. Easy.
  • Launch your website fast
  • Powerful data intuitive
  • No coding skills needed
  • A lack of staff due to holidays or sickness
  • A surge in demand for products or services
  • A specific project that needs to be completed quickly

The process of hiring a temporary employee is similar to hiring a permanent one. However, there are a few things to keep in mind:

  • You may need to find an agency that provides temporary staff
  • You’ll need to specify the skills and experience you’re looking for
  • You may need to pay a higher cost than you would for a permanent employee, as temporary workers often come with additional costs aside from salary

Types of temp staff

First of all, it’s important to understand the different types of temporary workers. There are two main categories:

  1. Contract workers – these employees work for a fixed period of time, and their contract will typically end when the project they’re working on is finished.
  2. Agency workers – these employees are hired through an agency, and can be used for short-term or long-term assignments.

Hiring agency worker vs contract worker

If you’re looking to hire a temporary worker, the best place to start is often with an agency. There are plenty of agencies out there that specialise in temporary workers, and they’ll be able to help you find the perfect candidate for your needs.

When you’re working with an agency, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. Firstly, make sure you have a clear idea of what you’re looking for. The agency will be able to suggest candidates, but it’s important that you provide them with as much information as possible.

How much do temp agencies usually charge in fees?

Fees can vary depending on the agency, but most of them will charge a commission fee and a placement fee. The commission fee is typically a percentage of the employee’s wages, while the placement fee is a one-time payment that covers the costs of finding and screening candidates.

If you’re hiring a contract worker, you’ll need to find them yourself, which can be cheaper, but can also be a bit more complicated and time-consuming. The best way to find contract workers is through job boards or social media.

Temporary employment contracts

Make sure you’re clear on the terms and conditions of the assignment. The agency will be able to provide you with a contract, but it’s important that you read through it carefully and understand what you’re agreeing to.

It is important to note that agency workers have certain rights, and your business will need to comply with these rights if you hire an agency worker. For more information, take a look at the government’s website on agency workers.

Do temporary staff have the same rights as permanent employees?

Temporary workers do have many rights, but these are not always the same as the rights of permanent employees. For example, temporary workers are not usually entitled to redundancy pay or sick pay.

However, it’s important to remember that these rights can vary depending on the type of temporary worker you hire. Contract workers will have different rights to agency workers, for example.

If you’re not sure what the rights of your temporary employees are, it’s best to check with an employment lawyer or the government’s website on agency workers.

What are the benefits of hiring temporary employees?

There are a few benefits to hiring temporary employees:

  • They’re affordable – hiring a temporary worker is sometimes cheaper than hiring a permanent employee.
  • They’re flexible – temporary workers can be hired for short-term or long-term assignments, and they can be used for a variety of tasks.
  • They’re skilled – temporary workers are often highly skilled and experienced, and they can be a great asset to your team.
  • They’re reliable – temporary workers are typically reliable and trustworthy, and they can be a great addition to your team.
  • They’re easy to hire – hiring a temporary worker is a quick and easy process, and you can usually find someone to suit your needs very quickly.

Tips for hiring temporary employees

Once you’ve hired a temporary employee, it’s important to make the most of their skills. Here are a few tips:

  1. Give them a clear brief – temporary workers are typically hired to do a specific job, so make sure you give them a clear brief outlining what you expect from them.
  2. Let them know what the goals of the project are – it’s important that the temporary worker understands the goals of the project, so they can work towards achieving them.
  3. Encourage them to ask questions – temporary workers may not be familiar with your business or the project, so encourage them to ask questions if they need clarification.
  4. Give them feedback – it’s important to give the temporary worker feedback on their performance, so they can improve their skills.
  5. Let them know if they’re doing a good job – make sure you let the temporary worker know if they’re doing a good job, so they feel appreciated.

Temporary workers can be a great asset to your business, and with the right planning, you can make the most of their skills. By following the tips in this guide, you’ll be able to find the perfect temporary worker for your needs.

How much does it cost to hire temporary employees?

Finally, make sure you budget for temporary workers. They may not be as expensive as permanent employees, but they still cost money, and you need to make sure you have the funds to cover their salary and expenses.

When you hire a temp, not only are you responsible for their salary, but you’re also responsible for other related costs, which can add up quickly. For example:

  • The agency fee: When you hire a temp through an agency, you’ll usually have to pay an administrative fee. This fee covers the cost of finding and screening the employee, and it can be quite costly.
  • The cost of training: If the temp isn’t familiar with your company or the project, you’ll likely have to spend time and money training them.
  • The cost of benefits: Temporary workers typically don’t receive the same benefits as permanent employees, such as health insurance and paid holiday days, but this depends on the terms of employment. Where these costs are due, they can add up quickly, especially if the worker is employed for a long period of time.
  • The cost of taxes: You’ll also have to pay taxes on the salary of the temp worker, which can be quite expensive.

So, before you hire a temp, make sure you understand all of the associated costs and are prepared to pay for them. By doing so, you’ll be able to make the most of this valuable resource.

How to hire a temporary employee – step by step

If you’re looking to hire a temporary worker, these are the steps you need to take:

How to hire a temporary employee

  1. Decide what type of worker you need

    Contract or agency? There are pros and cons to both approaches, as described above.

  2. Define the role you need filling

    What are the specific skills and qualifications required?

  3. Source agencies or contract workers

    Use an agency if you need someone quickly, or contact individual contractors if you have more time

  4. Request CVs or resumes from suitable candidates

    Make sure you provide the agency or contractor with as much information as possible about the role you’re filling

  5. Interview shortlisted candidates

    This is a crucial step, and you need to make sure you ask the right questions

  6. Make a decision and offer the position

    Once you’ve found the perfect candidate, make an offer and get them started on the job

  7. Manage the temporary worker

    Once they’re on board, make sure you manage them effectively and keep track of their progress

Temporary workers can be a great asset to any business, and with the right planning, you can make the most of their skills. Thanks for reading!

Frequently asked questions about employing temporary staff

How do I know if hiring a temporary worker is the right decision for my business?

There are a number of factors to consider when making this decision. First, think about what type of worker you need – contract or agency? Contract workers are typically hired for a specific project, while agency workers are available for shorter-term assignments. Second, define the role you need filling. What are the specific skills and qualifications required? Once you know what you’re looking for, it will be much easier to find the right candidate. Finally, consider your budget. Temporary workers typically cost less than permanent employees, but they still require funds to cover their salary and associated costs.

What are the costs associated with hiring a temporary worker?

When you hire a temp, you’re responsible for their salary as well as other related costs, which can add up quickly. For example:
• The agency fee
• The cost of training
• The cost of benefits
• The cost of taxes

How do I find a temporary worker?

There are two ways to go about this: you can either use an agency or contact individual contractors.

If you need someone quickly, using an agency is the best option. They’ll have a pre-screened pool of candidates to choose from and can usually provide someone within a few days. However, agencies can be quite expensive, so it’s important to shop around and compare prices.

If you have more time, contacting individual contractors is a better option. This allows you to find someone who is a perfect fit for your company and the project at hand. It also gives you more control over the hiring process, which can be important if you have specific requirements or want to interview candidates in person.

What should I ask potential candidates?

When interviewing temp workers, it’s important to ask the same questions you would ask permanent employees. This will help you gauge their skills and qualifications and see if they’re a good fit for the role. Some of the most important questions to ask include:

• What experience do you have in this field?
• Can you tell me about a time when you had to solve a difficult problem?
• What is your availability?
• What are your salary requirements?

By asking these questions, you’ll be able to get a better idea of whether or not the candidate is a good fit for your business.

Reviewed by , Managing Director

Compare ⓘ