Temporary workers are increasingly becoming a crucial part of long-term staffing solutions for Australia’s employers, according to a survey conducted by recruiting specialists Hays.

 

The survey of temporary workers and their employers found that 31.2 per cent of organisations consider temporary workers to be a key component in their long-term staffing strategy.

 

A further 24.2 per cent of employers consider temporary workers to be essential to the success of their organisation, while just 11.8 per cent see them as a temporary cost reduction measure.

 

The survey also concluded that demand for temporary workers is on the rise. When asked if their use of temporary workers has changed over the past 12 months, 35.8 [er cent of employers said it had increased, while 83.1 per cent of employers say temporary workers constitute up to 25 per cent of their workforce.

 

“Temporary workers offer employers a flexible alternative to permanent staff who can help fill short-term and longer contracts and their expertise can be used for special projects,” says Nick Deligiannis, Managing Director of Hays in Australia.

 

72.7 per cent of employers say flexibility is an advantage of using temporary workers, while 54.1 per cent find it advantageous that they can hire particular expertise for special projects.

 

Another bonus of using temporary workers is the relief it can provide permanent staff. 60 per cent of the employers surveyed say it is one of the benefits they like.

 

“Rather than continuously redistributing work between current permanent employees, which can reduce productivity, increase stress and may negatively impact on health and safety, temporary resources can instead support a permanent team,” says Mr Deligiannis.

 

Hays will soon publish the full report of the survey results at www.hays.com.au/temp-survey