How can we attract the temporary employees in this market?

With the Australian employment rate at its lowest in over 48 years (3.5% at the time of writing) and the current war on top talent, we have to ask ourselves, what does that mean for a contingent workforce? 

 

As a temporary recruitment consultant for over ten years in the accounting field, I have never seen a market where it is so difficult for employers to hire and retain temporary employees, whether it’s an additional set of hands for a project, back filling a secondment, covering parental leave or covering for employees’ annual and sick leave! 

 

With an Australian unemployment rate of 3.5%, an abundance of permanent opportunities, low immigration and rising inflation, we have seen a dramatic decline in job seekers willing take on temporary roles; irrespective of assignment length. 

 

So, what can employers and recruiters do to secure quality temps in this market?

  • Cultivate strong working relationships with temporary employees
  • Ensure that temps feel like they are valued and are part of the team and are valued equally to permanent employees 
  • The big one, is to pay higher hourly rates to temps to encourage them to pursue temporary employment rather than permanent opportunities
  • Offering employee benefits such as accrued sick leave and/or accrued leave (many large employers of temporary staff have begun to offer these benefits) 
  • Offering work from home, or a hybrid work environment is extremely attractive to temps, due to rising costs and inflation (ie petrol) 
  • Ensure you communicate well with temps, as recruiters, have your temps’ next assignment lined up, so that they can keep rolling into their next opportunity
  • Consider a retention bonus, on completion of the assignment; when temporary workers are being pursued by recruiters, this can be a great incentive for them to stay to the completion of the assignment
  • Ensure you are providing a positive, inclusive working environment and thorough on-boarding, hand over and training to ensure temps can easily and effectively pick up the role


I currently work with a number of job seekers who enjoy and thrive on temporary assignments, mostly to accommodate family requirements over school holidays or who like to travel in between assignments. These people are absolute GOLD in today's market and some have worked in over 20 temp assignments, placed by me. I love working with them and know that we could encourage more talent to work on a temporary basis if we, that is employers and recruiters work together, to combine some of the strategies highlighted above.

 

Ask yourself, what are we (as a business) and me (as a leader) doing to attract a quality temp to join our business and what can we offer? Both in tangible and intangible benefits to enable us to retain quality temporary workers. 

Get in touch

Hayley Coghill • September 26, 2022

Find out more by contacting one of our specialisat recruitment consultants across Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

Contact us

Share this article

Useful links

Search for jobs today

Got a vacancy?

What's happening in the market?

How do I prepare for my job interview?

Recent Insights

By Claire McNab May 26, 2024
In today's rapidly changing world, the call for environmental responsibility is louder than ever. With climate change looming as a critical global challenge, businesses are increasingly under pressure to play their part in mitigating its effects. One of the most significant ways they can contribute is by taking accountability for their sustainability practices, particularly in reducing carbon emissions.
By Esha Nischol May 19, 2024
In today's rapidly evolving landscape, automation is reshaping industries and transforming the way we work. While automation offers numerous benefits, including increased efficiency and productivity, it also presents challenges and uncertainties for the workforce. Understanding the opportunities and challenges of automation on employment is crucial for individuals and organizations alike as we navigate the future of work.
By Hamish Lamberton May 15, 2024
In recent years, the rise of remote work has revolutionized the way companies approach recruitment. With advancements in technology and a growing acceptance of virtual communication tools, many organizations are now embracing remote recruitment strategies to attract and hire top talent. In this blog post, we'll explore how companies are adapting to virtual hiring processes and the strategies they're employing to succeed in this new era of recruitment. One of the key challenges of remote recruitment is creating meaningful connections with candidates without the benefit of face-to-face interactions. To overcome this obstacle, companies are leveraging video conferencing platforms to conduct virtual interviews and assessments. These tools allow recruiters to assess candidates' communication skills, professionalism, and cultural fit, all while providing a more personal touch than traditional phone interviews. In addition to video interviews, companies are also utilizing virtual recruitment events to engage with candidates and showcase their employer brand. Virtual career fairs, networking sessions, and informational webinars allow companies to connect with a broader pool of candidates regardless of geographic location. By hosting these events online, companies can reach candidates who may not have been able to attend in-person events, thereby expanding their talent pool and increasing diversity. Another important aspect of remote recruitment is the use of technology to streamline the hiring process. Applicant tracking systems (ATS) and recruitment software help companies manage job postings, track candidate applications, and collaborate with hiring teams more efficiently. These tools automate repetitive tasks, such as resume screening and scheduling interviews, freeing up recruiters to focus on building relationships with candidates and making strategic hiring decisions. Furthermore, companies are investing in employer branding initiatives to differentiate themselves in a competitive talent market. Through social media, company blogs, and virtual office tours, organizations can showcase their company culture, values, and employee benefits to prospective candidates. By highlighting their unique selling points and demonstrating their commitment to employee satisfaction, companies can attract top talent and create a positive candidate experience. Finally, remote recruitment requires a strong emphasis on communication and collaboration among hiring teams. With team members working from different locations, it's essential to establish clear channels of communication and set expectations for roles and responsibilities. Regular check-ins, status updates, and feedback sessions ensure that everyone is aligned and working towards common hiring goals. In conclusion, remote recruitment strategies are becoming increasingly essential for companies looking to stay competitive in today's digital age. By embracing virtual hiring processes, leveraging technology, and prioritizing communication and collaboration, organizations can attract and hire top talent regardless of geographic location. As remote work continues to evolve, companies that adapt and innovate in their recruitment strategies will be best positioned to succeed in the future of work.

NZ's 2024 Employment

and Salary Trends Report

Salary trends, talent attraction and retention strategies

Request your copy
Share by: