Contingent Staff
Contingent staff refers to employees who are not on a permanent contract and are typically hired on a temporary, project or seasonal basis.
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PerplexityWhat is contingent staff?
Contingent Staff is refers to employees who are not on a permanent or long-term contract with a company or organization.
Contingent staff qualities
Contingent staff may possess a variety of qualities depending on the job they are hired to do, but some common qualities that are sought after in these workers include:
- Flexibility: The ability to adapt to different work environments and changing project requirements.
- Specialized skills: Contingent workers are often hired for their specific skillset that are needed for a particular job or project.
- Reliability: The ability to show up on time and follow through on commitments, with a good work ethic.
- Professionalism: They need to act with the same level of professionalism and follow the same rules as permanent employees.
- Technical proficiency: Contingent staff should be well-versed in the tools and technologies required to perform their job effectively.
- Self-management: The ability to manage one’s own time and resources effectively when working independently.
- Strong communication skills, since they work with different teams and managers.
- Strong problem solving skills: Contingent staff is often brought in to solve specific problems or to fill specific skill gaps on a project, so they should be able to think critically and creatively to tackle these challenges.
What are the benefits of hiring contingent workers?
There are several potential benefits to an organization that hires contingent workers, including the ability to: HBR’s labor research projects that contingent workers will represent over 40% of the US workforce within the decade as organizations prioritize workforce flexibility. SHRM’s talent acquisition guidance recommends a formal contingent workforce strategy that defines when and how to engage each type of non-permanent worker.
- Adjust the size of their workforce as needed without committing to permanent employees.
- Access specialized skills for specific projects that their current workforce may not possess.
- Save on compensation and benefits costs such as overtime and healthcare.
- Save on training costs as contingent workers often possess advanced knowledge and skills.
- Avoid tax responsibilities by not having to withhold and deposit payroll taxes, and not having to pay matching employer contributions for Social Security and Medicare taxes.
Managing contingent staff requires the same rigor as permanent workforce planning. Using pre-employment assessments alongside a structured hiring plan ensures compliance. Strong talent acquisition practices focused on skills-based hiring improve outcomes.
Frequently asked questions
Contingent staff includes temporary workers (from staffing agencies or direct hire), freelancers and independent contractors, part-time employees without guaranteed hours, seasonal workers, leased employees, project-based consultants, and gig workers engaged through digital platforms. The common thread is non-permanent, non-guaranteed employment.
Related terms
Common law Employee
A Common-law Employee is a worker hired on an “at-will” basis to perform a specific job or task, with the employer having the right to control the work.
Compa ratio
Compa-ratio is a ratio used to compare an employee’s salary to the market value of their job, expressed as a percentage.
Comparable Worth
Comparable Worth is the idea that the value of different jobs should be determined based on the skills and responsibilities required, rather than on societal biases and market forces.
Compassion Fatigue
Compassion Fatigue is a condition that can occur in those who work in helping professions, it is characterized by emotional exhaustion, detachment, difficulty caring, burnout, negative self-concept and physical symptoms. It can lead to burnout and negatively impact personal and professional life.
Compensation
Compensation is the package of rewards offered by an employer including base salary, benefits, bonuses, incentives, and other perks, aimed at attracting, retaining, and motivating employees.
Compensatory Time Off (Comp Time)
Compensatory Time Off (comp time) is a paid time off earned by employees working overtime, given as an alternative to pay overtime, and regulated by federal labor laws.
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