Temporary Staffing

Agency-payrolled workers for short-term, seasonal, or fluctuating needs.

Temporary staffing supplies workers for a defined period — covering short-term projects, seasonal peaks, absences, or fluctuating demand. The workers are employed and paid by the staffing agency, which handles payroll, taxes, and compliance for the duration of the assignment.

Who it's for

Employers with variable or short-term labor needs who want to scale a workforce up or down quickly without adding permanent headcount.

How it works

• The employer specifies the number of workers, skills, location, shift, and duration.
• The agency recruits and assigns workers, who remain on the agency's payroll.
• The employer directs the day-to-day work; the agency manages pay and compliance.
• The assignment ends on the agreed date, or is extended as needed.

Common use cases

• Seasonal peaks, inventory events, or one-time projects.
• Covering leaves of absence or unexpected gaps.
• Meeting a sudden surge in demand without permanent hires.

Advantages

• Fast, flexible scaling of the workforce.
• The agency carries employment, payroll, and compliance burden.
• No long-term commitment beyond the assignment.

Limitations to weigh

• Bill rates include the agency's overhead and margin.
• Temporary workers may have less familiarity with your processes.
• Not a fit when you need a permanent, long-tenured team member.

Questions to ask a staffing agency

• How quickly can you fill this many workers for this shift and location?
• What is the bill rate, and what does it include (payroll taxes, workers' comp, etc.)?
• How do you handle no-shows or replacements?
• Can assignments be extended, and on what terms?

Frequently asked questions

Related staffing services

Common industries