Staffing needs can vary from season to season or from project to project, which can be frustrating for hiring managers. That's why it's important to understand the different types of temporary staff that can help fill these needs.

This will not only make your job easier, but it can have a huge impact on your team’s morale and output. – In other words, it can be the difference between a team that is overwhelmed and burnt out versus one that is happy and productive.

We'll explore the different types of temporary employees to help you determine which is the best fit for your organization.

6 Types of Temporary Employees

There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to choosing a type of temporary employee; it really comes down to what your needs are. It may depend on the amount of time you need extra help for, what tasks you need to be completed, and how much admin you want to do.

Independent Contractors

Independent contractors perform services for your organization as non-employees. Instead, they are hired on a contract basis and are considered self-employed. Independent contractors are responsible for their own taxes, workers’ compensation, and benefits. They are often engaged on a project-by-project basis. As an employer, you are only responsible for paying their hourly rate.

Independent contractors are popular for organizations needing specialized expertise or help with short-term projects.

Payrolled Professionals

Payrolled professionals are temporary employees on the payroll of a staffing agency or professional employer organization (PEO). The employer of record for these professionals is usually the agency or PEO. The employee will receive benefits and other perks associated with full-time employment through the employer of record. The employer of record will also cover all taxes, deductions, and workers’ compensation.

Payrolled professionals are a popular choice for organizations that want all the administrative tasks handled by someone else and need temporary employees with specialized skills or experience.

Gig Workers

Gig workers are typically independent contractors hired for short-term or project-based jobs. These professionals are often self-employed and may take jobs in various industries, from ride-sharing to data entry. For example, if you need someone to help unload a shipment for a couple of hours, you could look for a loader/unloader gig worker. Generally, gig workers take on multiple gigs on any given day or week. So, they will take jobs that only last a few hours or a few days but not much longer.

Gig workers are a popular choice for organizations that need to fill short-term staffing needs or require help with specific projects.

Seasonal Employees

Seasonal employees are temporary employees who fill seasonal staffing needs. These professionals may have jobs in retail, hospitality, or other industries where staffing needs vary depending on the time of year. For example, if you need a server for the summer months, you require a seasonal employee. Seasonal staff may be full-time or part-time and are generally with your company for a season (about three months).

Seasonal employees are a popular choice for organizations with seasonal fluctuations.

Contractors

Contractors are temporary employees who are under contract with your organization for a specified time. These professionals may be hired to fill specific roles or complete specific projects and are typically paid hourly or on a project basis. Many other types of temporary employees are hired on an “ongoing basis” without a set end date, whereas contractors are set to finish on a certain date or at the end of a project.

Contractors are a popular choice for organizations needing to hire for short-term staffing needs for particular projects or set periods of time.

Freelancers

Freelancers are usually independent contractors that perform high-level services for multiple organizations or individuals at once. They typically have extensive knowledge in a specific area and are hired to complete small tasks in that field rather than perform an entire job. For example, if you need someone to design a logo for your organization, you may hire a freelance graphic designer.

Freelancers are a popular choice for organizations that need help with a specific small project or task.

Looking for temporary employees? Start hiring with AmbiMi today!