Why Do Firms Use Temporary Workers?
The use of temporary workers enhances
labor flexibility for firms. Compared with
permanent (indefinite-term) employment
arrangements, temporary (fixed-term)
employment arrangements allow
firms to use labor for a shorter period
without being responsible for workers’
benefits or the costs associated with hiring
or firing. Firms draw temporary labor
from various channels—for instance, by
hiring independent contractors and on-call
workers and using workers from temporary
help services (THS) agencies.
The use of such temporary workers is
growing rapidly. It has also spread across
industries—from manufacturing to
services—and occupations, including
construction workers, registered nurses
and information technology technicians.