3 Reasons why temp employees are good for business

From marketing to graphic design to SEO and more, there’s a seemingly never-ending to-do list for small businesses to tackle. Often, it can be overwhelming for business owners to identify what to do first, what to do second and how often things need to get done in general. This is particularly true when you consider that a small business’s to-do list is often populated with tasks they are not skilled in or even familiar with. Keeping this in mind, it’s beneficial for small businesses to consider how gig based employees – also known as temp workers, consultants and part-time contractors – can add value to your brand.

Expanding on this, it’s first important to understand who exactly gig-based employees are. Their role in the workforce is to fill temporary, part-time or even one-time jobs for employers. As a business owner, gig-based workers can fulfill specific duties for your business and eliminate needing an in-house employee. Let’s look at this in more detail, using myself as an example. As a small business owner, I often hire gig-based employees to complete tasks I know I’m not qualified to do, such as create graphics for my website or work to strengthen my website’s SEO. On the flip side, I am also available to be hired by companies as a gig-based or contract employee for their content needs – something they may not be skilled at or simply don’t have an interest in doing. Keeping these points in mind, it’s clear that gig-based employees offer versatility and flexibility – something any business can appreciate. Expanding on the value of gig-based workers, consider the three reasons below that they may be right for your business.

1. The more you focus on what you do best, the better your business excels

Many business owners start out because they excel in something they want to make their livelihood. Whether it’s opening a restaurant or starting an interior design business or opening an in-home daycare, building a business around something you love is not out of the ordinary. The catch? Running a business also means tackling tasks you may not thrive at – which is why gig-based employees are a great addition for your business. If creating your business logo, for example, isn’t something you have expertise with, you can discover freelance service providers at gig-based marketplaces such as Fiverr.com. The time you save by allowing another expert to help you get your to-do list done then allows you to focus on what you do best – whether it’s crafting new recipes, managing client communication or anything else that falls under your umbrella of expertise. This strengthened productivity model is a winning scenario for any business owner.

2. Letting others help your business gives you new perspectives

Business is undoubtedly perceived differently by different people. And while you likely have a strong understanding of how you want your business to be perceived by customers and more, it’s beneficial to welcome other perspectives into your business planning to help your business thrive. Working with temporary or gig-based employees is a great way to do this, welcoming those that excel in specific areas to help add value to your business. If strengthening your online presence, for example, is a priority then welcoming a temporary employee who understands how to do this can add value to your brand. Whether project based or for a designated amount of time, your business can benefit from gaining other perspectives, thanks to gig-based employees.

3. Having flexibility with employees can save you time, cash & more

If you’ve ever found yourself wishing you could hire an employee to help your business but struggled with the idea of having that same employee work a specific number of hours per week, gig employees may be right for you. By using gig employees, you can use them as much or as little as you need based on each day, week or project. Typically before hiring a gig employee, a set price will be determined for the task identified to be completed. This puts you in control of your budget and expectations, as well – a key factor in managing your business.

Finally, the gig economy makes up 20 to 30 percent of the working population in the U.S. and Europe, helping both small business owners—as well as those working as gig professionals—thrive. This rate will undoubtedly grow as consumers and businesses alike continue to appreciate the value, flexibility and convenience that independent service providers offer—and as you build your business, there’s no better time than now to gain from the robust environment of gig-based employees.