The Power of Temporary Professionals

“We’re not open to considering temporary or contract workers,” say many business and division leaders.

But why?

Most likely, it’s due to a lack of understanding around how temporary professionals can be implemented, the advantages they bring, and the processes involved.
Or simply because it hasn’t been considered as a viable option –  and it’s completely understandable to feel cautious about something unfamiliar.

Despite the numerous advantages of temporary employees, some organisations still have concerns about their use.

These may include:

• maintaining a cohesive team culture
• aligning temporary workers with company values
• concerns around long-term commitment

However, reputable recruitment partners prioritise highly skilled, committed professionals who can integrate seamlessly into your team.

With clear communication, defined roles, structured onboarding, and the support of a specialist interim recruitment partner, these concerns can be addressed – allowing your team to benefit from temporary professionals while maintaining a productive and cohesive environment.

The interim employment market 

The number of temporary workers in the UK is climbing, with no signs of slowing down. Since 2020, the numbers have risen from just over 1.45 million, to just over 1.62 million as of July 2023, and continue to grow.

In recent years, more organisations have opened roles to the temporary workforce. This shift reflects changing workplace dynamics and a growing recognition of the value that temporary professionals bring.

One key driver is the need for agility in a rapidly evolving business landscape. Organisations must respond quickly to market changes, shifting demand, and project-based needs.

Advances in technology and remote working have also made it easier to manage temporary workers, reducing barriers to adoption.

At the same time, the growth of the gig economy means more professionals are seeking flexible work, increasing the availability of highly skilled interim talent.

We recently placed a finance professional into a temporary role in under one business day – from briefing through to offer acceptance. A strong outcome for the client, candidate, and our team.

Cost savings

Ok, so this is a big one! Have you, as an employer, broken down the full costs (not just the salary & bonus offerings) for hiring a new team member? Because, wow. Granted, it can vary widely, depending on numerous factors, like the position, location, industry, and your specific hiring processes etc, and quite honestly, it can be eye-wateringly expensive!

The cost of hiring goes beyond salary. Advertising across multiple job boards, HR time, interviews, assessments, and background checks all add up – often reducing productivity in the process. Legal and compliance requirements increase costs further, while onboarding and training new employees take time and resource, particularly in the early stages.

The list goes on, but having a great recruitment partner on hand with their specialist experience, knowledge, and support, like our team here at Harvey John, we can take away a huge portion of the financial burden and increased costs from you.

In summary, the increasing openness to temporary roles starts with leadership – including you.

This new, forward-thinking approach reflects a strategic shift in how businesses approach workforce management, and will allow your company to stay competitive, adapt to changing circumstances, access specialised skills, and foster a more diverse, inclusive and innovative workplace.

Temporary employees can be a powerful solution for adapting to changing market demands. They provide a flexible workforce that can support short-term projects, seasonal peaks, and previously unmanageable gaps — enabling your business to respond quickly and remain competitive.

Ultimately, temporary employees can be the secret ingredient that empowers your teams to thrive, turning what was once a challenge into a strategic advantage; and we can expect this trend to continue as business leaders recognise the significant benefits that temporary employees bring to the table.

If you’re ready for your finance team(s) to reap the benefits of the addition of temporary employees, and a dedicated, efficient, supportive recruitment partner to be with you every step of the way, our specialist interim recruitment team is here to support you.

Connect with our dedicated team on LinkedIn:

David Waddell | Georgina Hayes | Andy Wyatt

Originally published 7 November 2023. Last updated 1 April 2026.