Contract staffing is a hiring arrangement where individuals are hired only on terms specifically set out in a contract. It usually refers to a fixed-term or project-based, rather than permanent, hiring arrangement. In many cases, it is arranged by a third party staffing agency.

Here we explain what contract staffing is,  and set out its advantages and disadvantages as an approach to Human Resources.

Businesses are increasingly using staffing agencies to supplement their own hiring — particularly when on the search for temporary staff. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the use of these agencies has increased steadily over the past decade, covering 3,000,000 workers in 2020.

Any business looking at engaging a contract staffing firm needs to carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages of doing so, compared to other forms of staff hiring