Tag Archives: temporary work

The New Look of Temporary Work

There’s been a huge shift in the way companies do business today as staffing services have become a more important part of business and hiring strategies. Since the great recession, U.S. staffing firms have created more jobs than any other industry and are expected to grow faster and add more new jobs in the next decade, according to American Staffing Association (ASA). Business owners are increasingly using temporary and contract staffing  to help them quickly react to changing market conditions.

This change in hiring preference can be seen in data from Express Employment Professionals, who conducted a survey of 665 employers throughout the U.S. and Canada and found that many planned on adding temporary workers in the third quarter, especially in the commercial and light industrial sectors.

Should You Consider Temporary Work?

Staffing agencies are allowing businesses the flexibility to expand and decrease their workforce to meet demand. Like employers, workers are also seeing the benefits of flexible employment. According to a recent story by National Public Radio, temporary employment is a good way to get your foot in the door with a company. Contingent workers also have the freedom to travel and work in different fields. Working on a temporary basis for different employers allows you an opportunity to increase your skill set, network, and have flexibility in your work life. Because of this freedom, more workers are using temporary work to stay effective in their specific fields. By working in different environments, social settings and businesses, workers have to adapt their specific skills and training to fit in the ever-changing company cultures. This is one reason temporary workers are becoming more effective and experienced in the workplace.

Another trend in this industry is that staffing employees are working for firms longer than ever before. The staffing industry has lately seen an increase in tenure compared to previous years. While employers watch for signs of growth, they are keeping contract workers for extended periods. Workers are seeing this as a great way to potentially be hired on full time with companies later. A recent study by ASA found that when the economy is growing at a normal rate, 53% of staffing employees who remain in the workforce bridge to full-time employment. This is why temporary work could be a great choice for you. It provides you with more opportunities while giving employers a first-hand look at your potential to do well in a company.

In the next 10 years, the U.S. staffing industry is expected to grow faster and add more new jobs than nearly any other industry, according to ASA. And to solidify its proper place, the BLS believes the demand for temporary help will generate a significant amount of employment growth during this next decade. The staffing industry is growing and becoming a more vital aspect of the business environment, and temporary workers are on the front end leading the change.

Have you ever tried temporary work? Let us know in the comments section below!

 

4 Tips for Finding Seasonal Work This Year

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The holiday gift-buying rush is upon us, and with it comes a perfect opportunity to find a seasonal job to bring in a little extra money.

Consumers spent more than $626.1 billion dollars during the winter holidays in 2015-2016, according to the National Retail Foundation, continuing an upward trend since 2008. In 2014, employers hired more than 700,000 employees to help offset the holiday rush, creating an almost 6% increase in employment during that time.

So what’s the best way to go about searching for a seasonal job? Follow the four tips below to get a jump start on your competition.

Look in the Right Places

Large retailers, such as Walmart and Target, offer the best opportunities for seasonal workers because of the variety of products they offer. But don’t neglect other niches outside of retail. Shipping companies also experience a large increase in volume during the holidays, allowing for several contract positions.

Beat the Competition

Start pounding the pavement now to look for that seasonal job. Companies are already planning for holiday hiring, and it pays to get on their radar early. You might also consider using a staffing company, such as Express Employment Professionals, as they often work with client companies that hire extra holiday help.

Be Prepared

When shopping around for jobs, be prepared to interview or fill out an application on the spot. Bring a pen, copies of your resume, proof of citizenship, and contact information for your professional references. Don’t forget to block off plenty of time to talk with a supervisor if you get the chance.

Be Flexible

Seasonal workers must be flexible to accommodate for extended store hours, and you don’t want to knock yourself out of the game by demanding a specific schedule.

Do you plan to look for seasonal work this holiday season? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

The Role of Staffing Agencies In Your Career Path

This week was National Staffing Employee Week in the United States, and Express is proud to work with so many outstanding associates every week.

If you’re a temporary or contract employee, you probably already know the many benefits of temporary work, including flexibility and the opportunity to try out different job fields. To further shed light on these benefits, we’ve compiled six Movin’ On Up articles that highlight the role of staffing agencies in your career path.

Thank you to our Express associates for your hard work and dedication.

Movin’ On Up is brought to you by Express Employment Professionals.

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This Week is National Staffing Employee Week

NSEW_graphicNational Staffing Employee Week is Sept. 15-21 and we want to show our appreciation for the 3 million men and women who make up the temporary and contract workforce in the United States every week, and especially the more than 400,000 people who work for Express every year.

You might think that only a small percentage of U.S. workers are temporary or contract workers. But, that’s not the case. In fact, according to the American Staffing Association (ASA), 11 million workers are hired by U.S. staffing firms during the course of a year.

The Benefits of Being a Temporary Worker
Being employed by a staffing company can provide flexibility that otherwise might not be available in an average full- or part-time position. In a recent study by ASA, it was reported that 90% of staffing employees said temporary or contract work made them more employable. And, according to the study, having a flexible work schedule is one of the primary reasons people use a temporary staffing firm. With this flexibility comes an alleviation of stress and an increase in career satisfaction that may not be possible in a traditional job. Even better news – while working a temporary job, Express employees average 37 hours a week, and 75% of Express employees go on to full-time jobs.

So, whether you’re employed by a staffing firm or considering pursuing a new career path, use this week to take pride in the integral part you play in not only furthering your career, but also building a stronger economy. Express Employment Professionals salutes your hard work and dedication.

Movin’ On Up is brought to you by Express Employment Professionals.

Poll: Do You Plan on Looking for Seasonal Work this Year?

MOV_POLL-ICONThe holiday season is the busiest time of year for many businesses. With shopping at its peak, some employers look to staffing companies to help handle the extra workload. While the holiday season is still a few months away, many businesses are already starting to hire seasonal workers. So, we want to know: are you planning to take a seasonal job this year?

Movin’ On Up is brought to you by Express Employment Professionals.

How You Can Thrive in Today’s Changing Workforce

rise_contract_class_webFor millions of workers, the fixed schedule full-time 40 hour workweek is a thing of the past. Looking for greater flexibility and new opportunities, job seekers are turning away from the traditional employer-employee relationship and eight to five work day.

The number of temporary workers, independent contingent workers, and freelancers is increasing to record highs in the U.S., defying previous economic trends. A study from MBO partners, a support system for independent professionals, found that all U.S. independent workers totaled 17.7 million in 2013, a 10% increase from MBO’s first study in 2011. More than 24 million are forecasted to be independent by 2018.

In Canada, the change has not been as dramatic, but the number of temporary, independent contingent, and “casual” workers is increasing. Their share of the workforce increased by 1.1% from 2008 to 2013.

Why It’s Changing

Coming out of the Great Recession, temporary or independent work gave those who may have lost their jobs an opportunity to get back on their feet or overcome extreme hardships. It’s also given them an opportunity to prove themselves as valuable to an employer.

According to CareerBuilder, “42% of employers plan to hire temporary or contract workers” this year — an increase from 40% in 2013. And, the staffing industry is expected to grow by 6% in 2014 and 7% in 2015.

“Many businesses use temporary workers as a way to find great talent,” said Michael Kreiling, general manager for the Express Employment Professionals offices in Winona, MN; and Eau Claire, Medford, and Menomonie, Wisconsin. “The more you impress them the more opportunities they will create for you.”

Opportunities in the Changing Workforce

As Kathryn Dill with Forbes writes, “…for many, temporary work isn’t simply a means to an end — it can also be the end goal.” Check out Forbes fastest-growing temp jobs, based on data by CareerBuilder.

According to AOL Jobs, the highest paying temporary jobs range from $26.44 to $46.69 an hour.

In a white paper released by Express Employment Professionals, “America’s Changing Workforce and the Rise of the Contingent Employee,” job seekers pursue temporary work so they can either work when they want, they need a flexible work schedule, or they want to earn additional money for bills, leisure, or retirement. If you are looking for these types of opportunities, then temporary work may be an answer.

Advice from the Experts

Jessico L. Culo, owner of the Edmonton, Alberta Express office, recommends that workers with long-term temporary jobs build relationships with the people you work with and the firm that represents you while on assignment.

Ronnie Morris, who owns an Express office in Jackson, TN, advises, “Little things like being on time, being willing to work over-time, learning multiple jobs, adhering to company policy, and possessing a willingness to train others are important things that can distinguish you on the job and make you a more valuable employee.”

Working to Live

It’s clear that more workers are turning to temporary and independent contingent work. And if you’re looking for permanent work, temporary jobs often lead to full-time permanent employment.  Job seekers who are willing to take on different temporary jobs and make those jobs work for them will come out on top. To thrive, be open to learning new skills and show the company you are a fast learner. Be adventurous and take advantage of the changing workforce. You never know where it will take you.

“More and more, people are interested in working to live rather than living to work,” said Jim Britton, owner of the Express Employment Professionals office in Springfield, IL. “And the flexibility offered by connecting with a well-run staffing company can be very appealing and rewarding.”

If you’re a worker who is part of this changing workforce, please share how you enjoy your temporary job, independent contingent work, or freelance opportunities. Let us know in the comment section below.

Movin’ On Up is brought to you by Express Employment Professionals.