For years, companies have relied on temp agencies to fill more flexible roles. But this is certainly no longer the only way to tap into a flexible workforce. The rise of flexible work platforms offers an alternative form of collaboration between companies and flexible workers. What distinguishes these online platforms from traditional staffing agencies? Discover the differences and find the best approach for your organisation.
Selection of People - Who Holds the Reins?
Where temp agencies provide the candidates, flexible work platforms allow you to maintain control. When you work with a traditional temp agency, they select suitable candidates for you, which means certain aspects are taken off your hands. Logically, this also results in less input over who comes to work for you. It’s a bit like dining out and letting the chef decide what you're going to eat, it can turn out well, but you might have preferred something else.
With a platform for flexible work, you hold the reins. You choose the right person from the largest database of freelancers. When you receive applications, you can instantly view the skills of the professional and the reviews from other clients. You decide if someone fits the shift. Flexibility is central, where companies can set their own rules, effortlessly post shifts online, and update them real-time. Learn more on how to leverage flexible working in your business.
Freedom of Choice Ensures Motivated Professionals
Freelancers using a flexible work platform have the freedom to choose their own shifts, while staffing workers are assigned by an agency without freedom of choice. Additionally, freelancers receive reviews that become directly visible on their online profile, which increases motivation. They are literally building their own online reputation. Research shows the main reason many people opt for a flexible work platform is freedom and flexibility. They want to do different jobs and not be stuck in the same routine every week. Temp workers usually don't have as much choice in their work schedule but can benefit from other advantages, such as more stability and assistance in finding assignments from the temp agency. Freelance workers play a major role in transforming how we work and access services, explore Freelance Trends in Today’s Shift Economy.
Need an Insightful and Transparent Pricing Model?
One of the distinguishing advantages of a flexible work platform versus a traditional temp agency is cost-effectiveness. The costs with a flexible work platform are based on relevant data and are transparent. In contrast, the costs at a staffing agency are not always clear upfront. Similar services can be up to 25% more expensive at temp agencies. Check pricing.
Long-Term Contracts? That's a Thing of the Past
With a temp agency, you often sign a long-term contract, which provides a certain level of stability throughout the year. This simultaneously means you are less flexible and must be able to indicate your personnel needs at the beginning of the year. With a flexible work platform, on the other hand, you find exactly that flexibility. Create shifts whenever it suits you and keep control of the planning without being tied to long-term contracts or recurring costs. You also have control over the cancellation term per assignment, unlike a set cancellation term with a temp agency.
Need to Make Last-Minute Changes to Your Staffing Plan?
If there's a need to be able to switch quickly and easily, then a flexible work platform better suits you. Experience the convenience of platforms, with a streamlined process that not only saves time but also ensures a smooth alignment between your needs and available freelancers. You can easily post a shift online and receive the first applications within 90 minutes on average. Need someone extra at short notice? You can quickly post a new shift in no time. If changes are necessary, that's a breeze too via a platform for flexible work. While temp agencies can also move fairly swiftly in finding the right people, sometimes it takes a while to get in touch with the right person due to an intermediary being involved. Read more on Temper's features.
Long-term Planning and Trusted Professionals
Temp agencies offer options for long-term planning, helping businesses establish a consistent team of reliable workers for future projects. If you're looking for more flexibility, you can also engage in long-term planning through a flexible work platform, where you can build your own pool of dependable freelancers and invite specific professionals for shifts. In a time of significant change and innovation, effective collaboration in flexible work is a pathway to easier, more liberated, and more structured work.
Interested to learn more about flexible work platforms like Temper?
