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SHORT-TERM EMPLOYMENT – LONG-TERM BENEFITS

On first impressions the current employment market may not seem the easiest environment in which to secure employment. Global market uncertainty however has created opportunities for temporary and contract workers in Hong Kong, which has traditionally been reluctant to embrace these candidates.

”Given the proliferation of doom and gloom news, candidates looking for new opportunities could be forgiven for thinking any hope of employment is lost, but this simply isn’t the case,” says Emma Charnock, Regional Director of specialist recruitment agency Hays in Hong Kong.

Temporary and contract recruitment is becoming increasingly popular in Hong Kong as employers gain awareness of the value of short-term staffing options under these economic conditions.

“The advantage for employers is the ability to overcome workload peaks until budgets are reassessed while maintaining a degree of flexibility for the future,” explains Emma. “The best part is that these staff will hit the ground running, giving you immediate results for your investment”.

Employers have also recognised some of the additional benefits of short-term hires:

  • Temporary staff hired through outsourced recruitment providers are not on company payroll so you avoid the paperwork;
  • Temporary staff allow you to overcome short term headcount issues for example by providing leave cover;
  • The additional skill set can help to up skill existing staff so you don’t lose the skills when the temporary leaves your company; and
  • By bringing in temporary staff your permanent staff can focus on core responsibilities without distraction.

There are also significant benefits for candidates and Hays advise a temporary opportunity should not be overlooked. While many candidates prefer the stability of permanent work, it is taking much longer to receive a job offer in the current market.

“Rather than spending several months out of work, temporary and contract roles are an excellent option – they provide an opportunity to work across a range of organisations and industries and gain a broader working experience,” continues Emma. “As some businesses become leaner, ‘all-rounders’ are finding themselves in high demand so broadening your skill base is a positive move to make.”

For those concerned about salary, temporary and contract work often provides higher rates of pay than would be available for permanent roles. Work-life balance is also better managed, as candidates are able to choose their own hours and work conditions.

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