Casual - Now You're Talking

According to 1,700 employers surveyed for the annual Hays Salary Survey, the most common flexible staffing approaches currently utilised are temporary or contract staff through an employment consultancy (offered by 66 per cent of employers), followed by employment of part-time staff (61 per cent), employment of casual staff on the employer's payroll (52 per cent) and job sharing (18 per cent).

"There is a notable number of jobseekers with a preference or need for employment with flexible options to balance work and personal commitments," said Jane Donnelly, senior regional director of Hays. "With employers now prepared to offer flexible working options, candidates can achieve their desired work/life balance.

"Employers have become more flexible because candidate shortages are omnipresent so the majority of today's employers use flexible staffing approaches to help manage this shortage. Flexible staffing in its variety of forms allows employers to ensure levels of work are maintained and the challenge of finding suitable candidates reduced.

"As well as using temporary staff or contractors while a permanent employee is sourced, or to help at times of peak workloads, we have also noticed that temporary workers have started to become an integral part of the workforce for some employers. For these employers, temporary workers are sustained and incorporated resources that allow continuity of work without disruption. Temporary staff members are enthusiastic, can start work immediately and often bring innovation to the workforce, while also allowing an employer to bring in specific skills when required.

"Project work has also created temporary and contract requirements. Temporary and contract workers can be integrated with a permanent workforce to maximise productivity and help at times of peak workloads or with specific projects," she said.

View the Hays Salary Survey online or request a copy from your local Hays office.