When you have a lot of extra work coming through in your business, then you need an extra pair of hands, and it's great to expand and bring in new people. However, what if you have a seasonal business, or don't expect the boom to last for much longer? Hiring a permanent member of staff could end up being costly if they are later left with nothing to do. That's why it's becoming increasingly popular to hire hourly staff. 

There when you need them

Every business has different busy times, and that's why arrangements such as zero hour contracts are becoming popular amongst employers. They mean you can have qualified, experienced staff available on a moment's notice, but you don't need to guarantee them a certain amount of work. This could be used for:

• Tourism and leisure companies who need help in the summer
• Companies that get busy around Christmas and other holidays
• Care professions who need cover for sick staff
• Businesses that operate on a shift basis
• Service professions where demand can change quickly

Just imagine being able to pick up the phone when you need an extra person to help. It boosts staff morale, as they don't have to worry about covering other people's work as well as their own, and keeps your business running smoothly. 

Finding the right people

When it comes to hiring the right hourly staff, it's essential to find people who are hard working, flexible, and happy to work on your terms. Most hiring is now done through online recruitment, and this is an especially easy way to search for people with the right skills and experience. It also makes it easier for the right people to come across your job advert, meaning it's more likely to be shared between friends and family. 

Flexible roles

One day you might need an extra person in the admin team, but the next day your phones could be ringing off the hook; it's sometimes hard to predict where you will need to put someone. Luckily, hourly workers are usually far more flexible than their permanent counterparts, and will take on most reasonable roles. This means you can just hire a general assistant, rather than someone specific as a receptionist, and find someone who can work across departments. 

Types of temps

While you have many reasons for wanting to hire a temp, the people you hire often have their own reasons for wanting to take on this kind of role. As well as those who are doing it as a stopgap, some people enjoy being a permatemp, and prefer the kind of flexibility that this lifestyle brings. The other kinds of temps you might come across include:

• Students who are working during holidays
• Professionals who are temping while looking for permanent work
• People who are hoping to retire soon
• Those who are downsizing and seeking simpler work
• People in specialist professions such as IT or engineering

The perception of hourly paid staff has changed a lot over the years, with many of them working on longer engagements, and taking a more active role in the office. There isn't just one kind of hourly staff, they make up a large percentage of the working population from basic jobs, to highly specialist skilled labour. This means that they can benefit your company in many different ways, and you have the benefit of skilled, experienced staff, without having to increase your head count on a permanent basis. This kind of arrangement can be beneficial for both parties, and makes it easier for you to manage staff levels at crucial times.