Temporary Staffing
Temporary staffing places a worker with an employer for a defined period — to cover a leave, a seasonal peak, or a short-term project — with the agency acting as the employer of record.
In a temporary arrangement, the worker is paid by the staffing agency, which handles payroll taxes, workers' compensation, and unemployment insurance. The employer pays the agency an hourly bill rate for the hours worked and can typically end the assignment when the need passes.
Temporary staffing is common for demand that is known to be short-lived: covering a maternity or medical leave, staffing a holiday rush, or adding hands for a one-time project.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the employer of a temporary worker?
For payroll, tax, and most legal purposes the staffing agency is the employer of record — it pays the worker and withholds taxes. The client company directs the day-to-day work at its site. Some obligations are shared; specifics depend on the contract and applicable law.
Related terms
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