About Temp Agencies

Temp agencies are the perfect solution for people who need a flexible work schedule and for companies needing extra help, whether for a day or an indefinite period. With an extensive group of employees only a phone call away, temp agencies are a reliable source for filling employers' needs and providing temporary employees with a variety of work assignments.

Function

Providing companies with qualified employees on a part-time, full-time or long-term temporary basis is the primary focus of a temp agency. Some temp agencies are specialized and provide temporary help to a specific type of business, such as insurance and medical claims representatives, medical billing specialists, accounting and payroll personnel, technical support staff and computer software and hardware programmers. Other temp agencies may provide qualified employees to both specialized business clients as well as clients with general needs such as day labor/construction employees, administrative, clerical, receptionist, secretarial, sales and customer service positions.

Types

Temporary employees are generally used to cover for an unexpected absence, illness, scheduled vacations, special projects or peak work periods. Temp to perm employees are in positions that will lead to permanent placement once the employee has worked a pre-determined amount of time set by the client and temp agency. Long-term temporary employees may be used to cover maternity leave, extended sick leave or if the permanent position is vacant and the temporary is filling in. Permanent positions within a client company can be designated to a temp agency to fill by providing candidates to interview.

Benefits

Temp agencies are able to provide employees on short notice when unexpected situations or emergencies arise. Temp agencies have a reliable team of employees to choose from to fill temporary positions that have been pre-screened, tested and interviewed with all references and background checks completed. For temporary employees, temp agencies provide flexibility in scheduling, weekly pay, benefits including insurance, vacation and holiday pay, in-house computer training and the possibility of permanent employment.

Considerations

Companies can use temporary employees to fill vacant positions without the expense of providing a benefit package. For temp to perm positions, a temp's work can be monitored prior to offering a permanent position. The temp agency can be a source for providing pre-qualified candidates to companies with vacant positions. Temporary employees have the opportunity to work at multiple companies, which will expand their knowledge and skills. Many temp agencies have offices across the U.S., allowing employees who are moving to transfer their paperwork and work history to the new location.

Warning

Client companies requesting temporary staffing should always be clear about the type of position, job requirements and duration of the assignment. This way, the temporary employee scheduled to fill the position has all of the correct information prior to accepting the assignment. It eliminates any misunderstandings. Leaving temporary assignments without notice can mean removal from the agency's available employee list or termination. Do not accept an assignment that requires specific knowledge unless you have the experience required.

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