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Temporary Work Can Help Tackle Stress

With a staggering 11.4 million* working days lost in 2009 due to work related stress and depression, temporary work may be the salvation for many, according to Neil Yorke, director of The Best Connection Group.  Stress in UK organisations has reached unprecedented levels pointing to perceived lack of job security and excessive pressure to perform.   Although much can be done in the workplace to help people, an alternative exists for many in the shape of temporary contracts.

“There are many benefits associated with temporary work that are overlooked when seeking employment and a significant consideration is the low level of stress,” says Yorke.  “Temporary assignments can work back to back so that earnings can be maintained.  Added to this, legislation now gives temporary workers many of the rights and benefits associated with full time positions so it’s becoming an even more popular choice for many.”

Temporary work has carried an inferior association for many years but is now becoming a more acceptable route to employment with guaranteed holidays, sick pay and strict adherence to regulations amongst the benefits available.  According to the REC, it is now an essential part of the European economy with 80 per cent of agency workers in the EU filling jobs that would not have been created if temporary work was not available.

Flexible working addresses the needs for both skilled and unskilled people offering a choice of where and when to work.  Exposure to multiple work environments provides invaluable experience and allows people to see firsthand how different companies operate and what expectations are demanded.  This inside knowledge can also equip temporary workers with the knowledge of the types of business and industries that may suit them best.   

“Although everyone has a responsibility to another person whether that is a line manager or a temporary employment business, temporary work is often self contained, with expectations and duties fully understood from the outset.   If there is no synergy between the worker and the business placement this can be addressed quickly without stress creeping in to cause irreversible consequences.  The nature of permanent work pretty much guarantees disharmony and stress for many at some point.  Some put up with their situation operating in a permanent state of stress and others suffer illness.  

Unless stress is managed effectively within a business it can lead to negativity, absenteeism, loss of productivity and resignations.  By its very nature, temporary work protects people, by and large, from personality clashes and situations that may induce stress.  It is a healthy and happy option for many people,” added Yorke.

In 2009 The Best Connection Group placed over 34,000 people in temporary contract work.  . 

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* The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH)