Recruiting highly skilled temp staff for a finite period is a brilliant way to maximise efficiency and productivity without the financial burden of a long-term commitment. So, when do you hire?

1. During peak periods - Offer training or a handover before seasonal work is due, to allow the temp to thrive

2. During digital transformation, system upgrades or to work on a project – As a Financial Controller, you are always pressured to increase efficiencies through technology. There is no place for ‘we’ve always done it that way’ in business anymore. You can recruit specialist temps to work on the project or up skill and redeploy existing team members onto the project and back fill the business and ongoing roles.

3. To cover leave for a leave of absence : ‘Over recruit’ shorter term roles by securing a more experienced specialist than the job requires, who does not require a lot of training and can ‘hit the ground running.’ 

4. When a niche skill is required : Recruit a temp with a special skill set that is not found within your current team. 

5. When you are searching for that ideal permanent employee : Don’t be inflexible. Hire a temp who ticks 80% of the boxes while you are recruiting permanently. Who knows, the temp might do a great job, broadening your initial hiring criteria and be offered the permanent position. Time and money saved. Win, win for all.

Temps are nimble, offer a different perspective and are cost effective. Smart businesses are embedding contractors into their business strategy and proactively planning to bring in temps to sharpen their competitive edge. 

What is your competitive edge?