Few industries have faced the onslaught of changes that the staffing sector has seen in recent years. Indeed, as the economy shifts, staffing agencies must work to keep up with clients’ needs and workers’ expectations. This has proven particularly challenging in the wake of the emerging gig economy. Rather than view this change as a problem, though, staffing agencies should confront their assumptions and develop new strategies. What is a flexible staffing strategy, and what are the advantages and disadvantages of flexible staffing? Find the answers to these questions when you consider the following flexible staffing myths.
Temporary Staff Aren’t Invested
It’s a common misconception that temporary staff members are not invested in their job. Staffing agents may perceive these applicants as a short-term solution to clients’ staffing needs, and in a worst-case scenario, they may even be treated as disposable because of this prevalent myth. Further examination reveals that it simply isn’t true. Many people seek out temporary work due to their life circumstances or their career path, and they are just as invested as a permanent worker may be.
Contractors Aren’t Career-Oriented
Similarly, staffing agents may project an assumption that staff who work on a contracting basis are not career-oriented — and thus unsuited to permanent employment. This assumption stems from the misconception that contractors are seeking a quick paycheck rather than a long-term career, but contract employment can, in fact, be a valuable step in a person’s career. A worker who wants to eventually become a construction manager, for example, might start out and build their experience by accepting short-term construction contracting jobs.
Flexible Staffing Is for Inexperienced Workers
The demand for flexible staffing is driven by several unique factors, but one of the biggest is the lack of qualified, experienced candidates currently available in the job market. As a result, many companies are seeking out temporary staffing solutions for positions that they would prefer to fill with permanent employees. This has led to the false idea that flexible staffing is best suited to inexperienced workers. On the contrary, many temporary staff members have extensive experience in their field, but they seek out short-term assignments because they value the flexibility.
The Gig Economy Is a Fad
Staffing agencies that dismiss the gig economy as a fad are in for a surprise. As Forbes confidently declared, the gig economy isn’t going anywhere. As such, staffing agencies need to adapt to workers’ evolving expectations and invest in new work modalities, including the expansion of remote positions. Investing in the protection provided by staffing business insurance is also a great way to protect against the liabilities that accompany gig economy positions. Staffing business insurance can cover the exposures associated with all forms of staffing.
About World Wide Specialty Programs
For the last 50 years, World Wide Specialty Programs has dedicated itself to providing the optimal products and solutions for the staffing industry. As the only insurance firm to be an ASA commercial liability partner, we are committed to that partnership and committed to using our knowledge of the industry to provide staffing firms with the best possible coverage. For more information about Staffing Professional Liability Insurance or any other coverage, we have available to protect your staffing business, give us a call at (877) 256-0468 to speak with one of our representatives.