The Pros and Cons of Temporary vs Permanent Work

WOW Recruitment

When job hunting, the terms ‘permanent’, or ‘temporary’ appear often in job descriptions – but what do they mean in a real-world setting?

Deciding whether to apply for a permanent or temporary role is a critical choice in any job search. Each job type comes with a distinct set of traits that – depending on your circumstances – are either beneficial or not.

Before you start searching for a role, weighing up the pros and cons of temporary and permanent jobs will help you understand how a position will fit in with your circumstances, career goals and lifestyle preferences.

If you are searching for sales, marketing or business services jobs in Australia, our blog covers what you can expect from a temporary or permanent role.

Temporary Work

Temp jobs can last anywhere from a few hours to several months. They are a great way to gain experience in a variety of working environments and industries at a quicker pace compared to permanent jobs.

While many early-career professionals go for temporary roles, they can be beneficial for anyone regardless of experience level. The flexibility of temporary work makes it ideal for people who are raising a family or studying. Temping is also suitable for people who have just moved to a new city and want to keep their CV current, or those who are visiting Australia on a Working Holiday Visa.

The best way to find temp jobs in Australia is to get in touch with a recruitment agency, as they can connect you with multiple opportunities. Agencies usually hire temporary workers on behalf of employers, so they have ongoing relationships with candidates and regularly match them to new assignments.

Depending on the time of year and broader economic trends, companies may advertise more temporary jobs than permanent ones. Temp positions tend to get faster budget approval and help companies cover their interim staffing needs quickly.

Many temporary roles offer the possibility of transitioning into a more permanent position later, but it’s not a guarantee. When working as a temp, consider your entire work assignment as a trial with your employer.

The pros:

Depending on the role and its grade, a temporary position can pay more per hour than a similar job that is permanent.
Temporary roles are paid an hourly rate, which means you get paid for every hour you work and you get the possibility of a higher rate on weekends or public holidays.
There is usually no requirement to give notice if you want to resign (although it is sensible to do so whenever you can).
You can broaden your skills and professional network with a variety of employers.
Temping is an excellent way to get your foot in the door at a reputable company.

The cons:

Less financial stability – temp work can mean less predictable pay if you don’t have another role lined up after your current assignment.
There is no guarantee an employer will extend a temp assignment or offer you a permanent position.
Companies are not required to give you notice before ending your assignment.
You do not get paid leave or holidays.
Being unable to ‘settle’ into a role for more than a few months can make some people uncomfortable.

Permanent Work

Permanent jobs in Australia are still – to some extent – the ‘traditional’ job type for professional careers including sales and marketing. As the word ‘permanent’ suggests, this type of job is an ongoing engagement, with no set end date. When people talk about ‘9-5 jobs’, they’re usually referring to permanent work, although some permanent jobs can be part-time.

From recent graduates to mid-career professionals and senior managers, people from all walks of professional life can be found in permanent jobs. Perm jobs are the bedrock of many organisations and they help to build or maintain a company’s culture and performance.

Leadership positions, including Team Leaders and Executives, are more likely to be permanent positions. In marketing, it’s more common to be given project management responsibilities or management of external agencies if you are in a permanent role. In sales, a perm job gives you more scope to work with long-term business goals and accumulate more commissions.

To find permanent jobs in Australia, your best options include applying directly to employers using job sites and company career pages or signing up with a recruitment agency.

Many opportunities are not immediately advertised to the public, however, so connecting with your network or an agency can help you tap into positions that are not otherwise visible in online searches.

The pros:

Job security and financial stability are two major drawcards of permanent work. With a predictable pay cycle (usually monthly or fortnightly) and regular hours each week, you can worry less about looking for the next assignment and make more long-term financial plans.
Permanent jobs provide paid time off, so you will get paid public holidays, annual leave, parental leave and a set amount of sick leave each year.
As a permanent employee, you may get access to perks that are not available for temporary roles, such as additional superannuation.
You have opportunities to pursue a career path within the company, so you can work towards a promotion or even make a sideways move into another area that interests you.
Employers can devote more resources towards your professional development, such as on-the-job training, coaching and more.
Settling into a role for more than a few months allows you to build connections with your colleagues and clients. This can help you steadily grow your professional network and even make a few friends for life.

The cons:

Depending on the seniority of the role, your pay on a per-hour basis could be lower than an equivalent temporary job.
You may get bored with an unchanging routine – commuting to the same office, doing the same tasks, working with the same colleagues every day.
You can get stuck in a rut if your position has no clear scope for career progression.
Less flexibility around hours and schedules might negatively impact your work-life balance.
Before you resign, you might have to give your employer anywhere between two weeks to more than a month’s notice.
Although permanent jobs are perceived as more secure than temporary roles, there is a possibility your position is made redundant if the company restructures or faces financial difficulties.

Summary

With ample opportunities available for both temp and permanent jobs, it is crucial to consider what job type is best for you before you start applying.

When searching for sales, marketing or business services jobs in Australia, think about how a temp or perm role will suit your motivations, career ambitions and financial situation. You might have to weigh up the pros and cons for every role you apply for, so using this article can help you make decisions more quickly.

Are you a sales, marketing or business services professional looking for a temporary or permanent job? Do you need advice on how to make the most of your job search? As a leading recruitment agency in Sydney, WOW Recruitment connects talent to Australia’s most exciting employers. Get in touch with our team today for help in finding your next role.

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Stop the Revolving Door: Practical Strategies for Retaining Your Best People

By Daniel Tonkin • 16 Apr, 2024

Retaining top talent is more crucial than ever for Australian businesses. With the evolving expectations of the workforce and the constant threat of competitors poaching your best employees, you might be wondering how to increase employee retention. That’s where a strategic approach to employee retention is essential. Fortunately, there are plenty of proven strategies that you can implement to create a work environment that fosters loyalty and minimises turnover. These include building a positive work environment, offering competitive benefits packages, actively engaging employees in meaningful ways, and demonstrating strong leadership. Why Are Your Employees Leaving? Employees can exit a business for any number of reasons, but often a desire for better compensation, clearer paths for career progression, and a healthy work-life balance come out on top. Dissatisfaction with leadership or a negative company culture can also be significant drivers of employee turnover. 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This trend underscores the importance for employers to foster supportive and engaging workplaces. How Do You Retain Employees? Talent Retention Strategies that Work According to our recent Job Satisfaction and Wage Trends Report , what matters most to employees are their salary and benefits, their ability to make a positive impact, and achieving a good work-life balance. We also discovered that employee retention is closely linked to job satisfaction—those who express their love for their job are overwhelmingly more likely to have been in their role for three to five years, while those ready to quit usually want to leave sooner than that. To significantly reduce employee turnover and retain top talent in your business, here are some of the most successful retention strategies to try. Create a Positive Work Culture The foundation of employee retention is undoubtedly a positive work environment. This encompasses not just the physical space but also the culture, the values, and the way people interact within an organisation. A positive work environment is characterised by mutual respect, open communication, and a sense of belonging. You can create a positive work culture by: Encouraging Open Communication Create channels for open dialogue to ensure employees feel heard and valued. This could be through regular town halls, anonymous feedback systems, or open-door policies with management. Promoting Work-Life Balance Show understanding and flexibility towards employees’ needs outside of work. A recent report from the University of Melbourne found that 75% of employees under the age of 54 reported that they would leave a job that didn’t allow for flexibility. Flexible working hours, the option to work remotely, and mental health days are examples of practices that contribute to a supportive work environment. Recognising and Rewarding Contributions Make sure employees feel appreciated for their hard work and achievements. Recognition programs, whether through awards, bonuses, or simple shout-outs in team meetings, can boost morale and loyalty. Offer Competitive Benefits To attract and retain top talent, offering competitive benefits is key. However, competitive does not only refer to salary. While fair and attractive compensation is essential, today's employees look for benefits that enhance their quality of life and offer security for their future. Consider offering some of the below to increase talent retention: Tailored Benefits Packages Employees have diverse needs, and that’s why you should be tailoring your benefits packages to suit different life stages and priorities—from health insurance and superannuation to childcare support and education allowances. Professional Development Opportunities Investing in your employees’ growth not only benefits them, but it also benefits your organisation. Consider offering access to training, courses, certifications, and pathways for career progression within your company. Wellbeing Programs Employee wellbeing directly impacts productivity and satisfaction. Initiatives like fitness memberships, wellness apps, or even in-office health and wellness activities can make a significant difference to the productivity and longevity of your employees. Engage Employees in Meaningful Ways Engagement is the emotional commitment an employee has to their organisation and its goals. Engaged employees are not just there for the paycheck; they believe in what they are doing and are committed to the organisation's success. Engaging your workforce in meaningful ways involves: Empowering Employees Empowerment can boost your employees’ investment in their work and the company. Be sure to give them a sense of ownership and responsibility, encourage innovation, and allow them to bring their ideas to the table. Building a Strong Team Culture Team-building activities, social events, and collaborative projects can help strengthen bonds between employees, making them feel part of something bigger and fostering a sense of community within your organisation. Communicating a Clear Vision Sharing successes and challenges openly can help employees see the impact of their work, increasing their engagement and loyalty. It’s also important to ensure that every employee understands how their work contributes to the company’s objectives. Demonstrate Strong Leadership Leaders play a pivotal role in employee retention. Leaders who are approachable, empathetic, and supportive can inspire loyalty and dedication and can identify and address issues before they lead to dissatisfaction. Here’s how strong leadership plays a crucial role in talent retention: Inspiring Trust and Confidence Leaders who are transparent, ethical, and consistent in their actions inspire trust among their team members. When employees have confidence in their leaders, they’re more likely to feel secure and committed to the organisation. Providing Support and Development Exceptional leaders are committed to the growth and development of their employees. By offering mentorship, feedback, and opportunities for professional development, leaders can help employees advance in their careers without looking elsewhere. Creating a Vision and Purpose Strong leaders articulate a clear vision for the company. By aligning individual goals with the company’s purpose, leaders can foster a deep sense of belonging and dedication among employees. A Happy Employee is a Loyal Employee Now that you know how to keep employees happy, you can create a dynamic workplace that attracts and retains top talent. Remember, happy, engaged employees are more productive, creative, and less likely to leave for greener pastures. A successful retention strategy is an ongoing process. By actively listening to your employees, adapting your approach, and creating a truly positive work environment, you can turn your company into the ultimate dance partner, attracting and retaining top talent for the long haul. Let's not forget, a strong employer brand also goes a long way. Positive employee experiences translate into positive online reviews and word-of-mouth recommendations, making it easier to attract new talent in the future. WOW Recruitment is a recruitment agency that’s passionate about helping Australian businesses build successful teams. We offer a range of services, from talent acquisition to employer branding, to help you create a workplace environment where top talent thrives. Contact us today to find out more.

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By Daniel Tonkin • 12 Apr, 2024

Partnering with a specialised recruitment agency in Australia helps you unlock a multitude of benefits that put your renewable energy business front and centre.