Is now the right time to consider hiring contract staff?

When is the right time to consider hiring contract staff, and what are the advantages? Contractors are renowned for their specialist skill sets, flexibility and ability to work remotely - with minimal face-time -  making them an ideal solution for an organisation with critical business needs but limited time or resources available to onboard.

Robert Walters holds a wealth of experience in recruiting for temporary and contract positions for diverse business requirements across Ireland. With this, we offer our specialist advice on a number of situations where it might be considered necessary to hire skilled contractors.

Remote working

During challenging periods where remote working is allowing you (as much as possible) to maintain ‘business as usual’ operations, onboarding new talent can be a challenge.  

A dispersed, remote team does not allow for the typical approach to onboarding, training, and meet & greets. In a situation where face-to-face interaction is limited, technology and video communication can prove vital for successfully onboarding of new staff.

Accustomed to working remotely and hitting the ground running, contract staff can be the ideal solution to fulfil a business need, with minimal onboarding requirement. 

Accustomed to working remotely and hitting the ground running, contract staff can be the ideal solution to fulfil a business need, with minimal onboarding requirement.

Looking for a speedy placement that can adapt quickly to a remote working environment? Due to their experience, contractors require little or no induction, resources or training seamlessly transitioning into a position. What’s more, a contractor’s experience of working remotely means that their communication via digital means is typically advanced. This means you can maximise their output immediately.

Staff and skills shortages

During busy periods with an increased workload, temporary or contract workers can alleviate a short-term skills or resource gap. Hiring a contractor can also fulfil a skills shortage temporarily, whilst you continue to recruit a permanent position. This is particularly useful for hiring managers where the recruitment process is more drawn out due to a narrow talent pool with few suitable candidates.

Given the vast experience contractors typically have of projects and organisation size, hiring from this pool allows you to think outside of the strict criteria you may have for permanent staff – thus speeding up time-to-hire.

Time-sensitive tasks

To implement specific projects with defined timelines, multiple contract professionals are the ideal solution, with the flexibility to work on projects that can vary in duration, size and national scope.

Due to their experience, contractors require little or no induction, resources or training seamlessly transitioning into a position.

The breadth of experience contractors will have around project timelines, means that they are well placed when it comes to prioritising tasks, managing expectations and working to deadlines.  

Implementing a new technology or working practice into your business? Then talented interim leaders are the ideal solution when seeking someone with in-depth, specialist knowledge of how to roll out new technologies, as well as have an understanding of their future potential.

Creating contingency

Contractor workers provide invaluable contingency in the instances there are time gaps between employees leaving or starting at your business. For example, where a new permanent hire has a six-month notice period, an interim manager could be a recommended option to temporarily fulfil a role during this time.

Business transformation 

Large-scale projects are a resource-intensive process, demanding the temporary input of professionals with targeted technology expertise to implement fundamental changes to your business.

Senior technology contractors specialising in high-level projects are required to oversee these large and often complex assignments, including business transformation projects, mergers and infrastructure changes.

Robert Walters has gathered insights from contract professionals and experts in temporary recruitment to put together a guide for employers hiring temporary and contract professionals in Ireland, including advice on contract hiring and retention from experts at our temporary recruitment agency.

Access your copy here: Temporary & contractor recruitment guide