5 reasons you should consider temp work this December

While the overwhelming majority (92%) of employers contended with skills shortages this past year, it’s certainly been a smoother ride for temp workers who have been reaping the benefits of these struggles with job opportunities aplenty. In fact, 41% of employers have hired temporary or contract staff to alleviate skills shortages this past year. With an abundance of vacancies to choose from, perhaps it’s time for you to jump on the temp-wagon, and what better time of year to do so than the festive period?

1. Seasonal demand

With much of workforce saving chunks of their holiday allowance for the festive season, December tends to be a time of staff absences and the need for annual leave cover. Other industries – including retail and customer-facing roles – boom during the festive period, so additional headcount is required to keep on top of the mounting workload. Many organisations compete for seasonal workers, so temporary jobseekers sit firmly in the driver’s seat, making it not only easier to secure a role but also to have the upper hand when it comes to negotiating.   

2. The power of networking as a temp

Temping is a great way to expand your professional network. You’re effectively jumping from organisation to organisation – meeting like-minded professionals along the way – without the negative connotations that arise from permanent job-hopping. This can open doors for future opportunities; you never know when one of your connections will have a vacancy in their team or can give you a referral. Sometimes, as the old saying goes: ‘it’s not what you know, it’s who you know’ – and temping really does bolster who you know. 

3. Try before you buy

Starting a new, permanent job can feel like you’re stepping into the unknown. Often, it can be difficult to gauge a true understanding of what a role will be like until you start working there. There’s always the risk that the culture, team or work itself won’t match the expectations you formed during application and interview process; almost half (45%) have decided to leave a job for this reason. Then, you’re left with two choices: stick it out and hope it gets better, or leave and face potential concerns from future employers regarding your short tenure. 

These risks are irradicated with when it comes to temping. There’s no long-term commitment required. What’s more, there’s always the possibility of being offered a longer contract – or even a permanent position – if the organisation has capacity. 

4. Inflated earnings 

Fancy earning yourself some extra cash for the festive period? Day-to-day earnings tend to be higher in temporary jobs compared to permanent roles, so temping may be a simple solution if you wish to loosen your purse strings a little this December. If you’re one of the 42% of employees who say that the current cost of living is making them more inclined to look for a new job, then perhaps the monetary benefits of temp work are worth considering.  

5. Build your expertise 

Temping is an excellent way to expand your skillset, as it provides you with the opportunity to work across a greater number of industries and specialisms. Comparatively, longer stints at one organisation can be more monotonous, as your day-to-day can remain relatively unchanged throughout your tenure. Seasoned temp workers often boast a wide array of valuable skills, which can put them in good stead for future temporary and permanent job opportunities – particularly given the current skills shortage.

If networking opportunities, solid earning potential and a chance to grow your skillset sound tempting to you, then what are you waiting for? December is just around the corner and there’s no better time to step into temping.  

Check out our latest temp vacancies today – we add new roles daily!