Employers 'more open' to hiring contract, temporary staff for specialised roles
Recruitment agencies in Singapore are observing the growing popularity of temporary work arrangements in the city-state, according to reports.
There was a roughly 60% increase in the number of temporary jobs in Singapore this year, reported Channel News Asia, citing recruitment agency Michael Page.
Tania Mustafa, associate director of the recruitment firm, said employers are now "more open" to having contract and temporary workers fill in project-based, specialised roles.
"Employers are now wanting to take advantage of having more agile business solutions for talent pipelining," Mustafa said, as quoted by CNA.
Applications for temporary work are also increasing along with job openings as more experienced workers opt for more control over their working hours, according to the associate director.
"It also allows them to … learn a new skill in line with their career and personal aspirations," she said. "This can be a great bridge for them to enhance their skills, and if they want to pivot into a different industry or function."
David Blasco, country director at Randstad Singapore, added that temporary work may also be appealing to individuals who do not want to "commit excessively to their jobs."
"Perhaps they need some work-life balance, or maybe they're studying and they need a temporary job to cover a specific time gap. Those (people) are probably more inclined towards temporary positions," Blasco said, as quoted by CNA.
Popularity of temporary work
Aside from Singapore, Hong Kong employers are also seeing an increasing preference for contractors this year.
A survey by Robert Walters among over 300 business decision-makers in the financial hub revealed that 63% are planning to hire contractors this year.
Matthew Sullivan, senior manager of Robert Walters Hong Kong financial services contract division, said it shows contractors are becoming an "essential part of the workforce strategy" in Hong Kong.
