Spotlight on temporary workers
Personnel Today, 4 February 2008

An article in Personnel Today, by journalist Virginia Matthews, suggests that the stereotype of the office temp who fills in for a few days and then disappears, is outdated and misleading.

Gordon Yates’ annual SecsLife report reveals that many employers see office support staff as a short-term commodity, rather than a valuable resource.

Richard Grace, co-managing director of Gordon Yates, thinks the attitude of employers is a problem: “The classic image of a temp is of a secretary with few skills, but often temps are highly adept at IT presentations and software work, project management, customer service and even recruitment. Although temps deliver results every day and in every conceivable UK business sector, induction, training and motivation for these people is often minimal, because 'it's only the temp'."

The SecsLife survey shows that limited career development, lack of recognition and financial insecurity are the three biggest disincentives to being a temp.

Richard Grace adds: "Too many employers think that temps are highly transient, and assume that it is not worth investing time and effort in integrating them into the business. Our message is that there is no typical temp, and many of the anonymous agency staff who walk through your doors have exactly the experience you are looking for."

Some employers think that a CV littered with temp placements suggests lack of sticking power and solid experience, but Richard Grace disagrees: "Temping tends to nurture better software and social skills, wider commercial experience and greater adaptability, as well as the inner confidence needed to take on new challenges and work with different teams.”

The SecsLife survey suggests that almost half of temps are dissatisfied with their work, for reasons including lack of recognition by employers, and limited opportunities to work as part of a team.

Facts about temps

77% of firms used temps last year.

61% of temps were offered permanent posts.

50% have temped for the same company for at least six months.

41% earn £12.50 or more per hour.

26% stay more than a month with the same company.

73% have been temping for more than a year.

27% dislike the limited career development.

26% dislike the insecurity.

14% dislike the lack of recognition by employers.

6% dislike not being part of a team.

Source: Gordon Yates SecsLife survey, 2008

Adapted from ‘Spotlight on Temporary Workers’, by Virginia Matthews
Personnel Today magazine, 04 February 2008.

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