GUIDE • 1 min.

What is Contingent Labor? A Definition and Explanation

Publicist Team

If you work as a contingent worker, then you’re often not an employee of the company you work for. Rather, you’re an independent contractor or freelancer who handles the hiring and management of your own staff and schedule. Contingent workers can earn more than regular employees because they’re in charge of their own businesses, but they also face greater risk because their pay and working conditions aren’t guaranteed to be the same from week to week or month to month. Read on to learn what contingent labor is and how it works.

Defining Contingent Labor

Contingent labor is a temporary or on-demand workforce. The term often refers to workers who are employed on a short-term basis, although they may be employed for an indefinite period of time. Unlike traditional employees, contingent workers are not guaranteed a set number of hours or a steady income.

Examples of Non-Permanent Employment

Contingent labor refers to a workforce that is not permanent or full-time. This can include workers who are employed on a project basis, seasonal workers, independent contractors, freelancers, and temp workers. In recent years, the contingent workforce has grown as more companies are choosing to use this type of staffing to save on costs.

Why Should You Care About Job Security?

Contingent labor is a type of employment relationship in which workers are hired on an as-needed basis, typically to fill short-term or seasonal positions. While this type of arrangement can be beneficial for businesses that experience fluctuating demands, it can be detrimental to workers who may have unstable income and lack job security. In a continent labor market, these workers are more likely to be underemployed or unemployed, which can lead to increased financial insecurity and stress.

The Pros and Cons of Non-Permanent Employment

There are many reasons why companies choose to use contingent labor, which is defined as non-permanent employees. The main advantages of this type of staffing are that it can be more cost-effective and flexible than traditional full-time employment. Additionally, it can be easier to find workers for specific projects or skillsets on a contingent basis.

This type of employment also provides benefits to the employee. They have the flexibility to make their own schedules, and can work on multiple projects at once, upping their earning potential. Publicist is a great way for contingent workers to lessen the workload associated with managing their own business. They provide vetted job opportunities, workflow management, and payment and tax tools to the members of their community.