Introducing the “Super-Temp”-- a New Era in Staffing

Superman, Superwoman, Supergirl – they swoop in at the last minute and save the day with their specialized skills and willingness to help. Now the “super” tag is being applied somewhere new – to temporary staffing. If you haven’t already heard of the “super-temp,” you will soon. It’s a new phenomenon that’s gaining traction because more and more people are choosing a career that gives them more freedom.

Traditionally, a temp has often been someone who was between jobs, just starting out in their career, or someone who specialized in administrative or industrial roles. The new “super-temp” is a professional or even executive-level staffer with years of specialized experience. This person could have been part of a downsizing, but more often it’s people who have built a great resume and now want variety, freedom and a taste of self-employment.

Companies can really benefit from utilizing people like this. Rather then have someone on staff all year to build business, work on the books, or strategize; you can hire these people as needed. Think about paying someone hourly or by the project. They work off-site or right next to you. A company can bring in people with special skills as needed rather trying to fill out a complete job description, go through the hiring process and need to fill that person’s time year-round.

The number of people redefining themselves as “super-temps” on all levels, from CEO to director to production person, has climbed over the last few years based on the economy and the fact that Generation X and Y are seeking life rewards over career rewards. They excel in their field and they work when they want to and with whom they want to. Actually, the ones who choose the “super-temp” lifestyle are typically some of the best in the field and have found that operating this way still gives them a full work-week if they choose.

So if you see that talented person who can step in and take on a project for you or an executive level task that only needs to be done a few times a year, don’t hesitate to book them. They are super and they are the new face of the workforce.