People often use the terms “staffing agency” and “temp agency” interchangeably. While there is some overlap between the two types of employment agencies, there are key differences in their services, focuses, and hiring goals.
Before deciding to work with an agency, it’s important to understand what services they actually offer to ensure they’re a good fit for your needs. Whether you’re a job seeker or a business owner, keep reading to learn the differences between staffing agencies and temp agencies so you can better understand which one suits your needs.
What Is a Temp Agency?
First, let’s explore what a temp agency is. As the name suggests, temp agencies specialize in short-term or seasonal employment. They focus on placing employees in temporary roles to cover staffing shortages due to medical leave or seasonal surges or to help with specific projects. For employers, this means fast turnaround, additional flexibility, and cost savings on employee benefits.
Typical roles within the scope of temp agencies include administrative assistants, warehouse employees, construction workers, seasonal retail employees, and event staff. However, it’s important to remember that these roles are temporary — the worker will only be with the company for a set amount of time, after which they’ll receive another assignment.
Advantages for employees include quick job placement, exposure to many different industries, and the chance to earn money between permanent roles. However, the lack of stability or benefits may be a drawback for some people.
What Is a Staffing Agency?
Next, let’s focus on staffing agencies, which provide broader services than temp agencies, including temporary, temp-to-hire, and direct-hire/permanent placements. Their goal is to match talent to long-term career opportunities in addition to filling employers’ short-term needs. This means employers get access to qualified candidates, long-term staffing solutions, and reduced risk when opting for temp-to-hire.
Staffing agencies typically fill professional positions in IT, accounting, the skilled trades, and healthcare, although some agencies have a broader or more specific focus. They give employees the opportunity to transition into permanent positions, grow their careers, and get professional support from the agency.
However, due to their emphasis on fit and longevity, staffing agencies may take longer to place candidates than temp agencies, which may not be ideal for those looking for a quick placement.
Key Differences Between Staffing Agencies and Temp Agencies
Now that you know the basics of both staffing agencies and temp agencies, let’s go over the key differences between them, which include:
- Employment duration: Temp staffing focuses on short-term positions, while staffing agencies offer both short-term and long-term placements.
- Industries and positions: Temp agencies typically specialize in entry-level and seasonal positions, while staffing agencies may have a wider area of focus that includes professional roles.
- Hiring models: Both temp and staffing agencies fill short-term roles, but only staffing agencies do direct-hire and permanent positions.
- Employee benefits and support: Typically, staffing agencies provide more career-focused support services. However, both types of agencies usually provide payroll, accounting, and HR assistance to their employer clients.
- Employer goals: The goal of temp agencies is to fill immediate needs, while staffing agencies tend to deal more with strategic workforce solutions.
Which One Should You Choose?
If you’re an employer seeking fast, short-term coverage, working with a temp agency may be the best option for your company. However, if you want long-term hires or the ability to test employees out before hiring them on a permanent basis, partnering with a staffing agency is ideal.
If you’re a job seeker who wants flexibility, quick work, or extra income on the side, working with a temp agency is likely a good option for you. Staffing agencies, on the other hand, are ideal for workers focused on building careers or who want permanent job placement.
Temp Staffing Solutions at All Trades
At All Trades, we specialize in temporary staffing. We’re proud to provide expert services focused on matching skilled workers with employers looking for help. With personalized support for job seekers and workforce solutions for employers, we offer solutions to fit a wide range of needs. When you work with us, you get expert guidance in navigating the hiring or job search processes.
If you’re looking for a short-term job or seasonal help, contact us today to learn more about how partnering with a temp staffing agency can help you level up your career, help you earn extra income, or meet your business’s staffing needs.
