Myths vs. Reality: What Hiring Managers Get Wrong About Temp Workers

At Elevate Partners, we’ve worked with hundreds of employers and temporary professionals across finance, ESG, risk, and business operations. We’ve seen that the most successful organisations are those that challenge outdated perceptions and embrace temporary talent as a legitimate and valuable part of their workforce strategy.

In this article, we’ll break down the most common misconceptions about temp workers – and replace them with the reality. Because when you shift your thinking, you open up access to an entire pool of high-impact professionals who can help your business grow, pivot, and perform.

Myth #1: Temp Workers Aren’t as Committed

This is perhaps the most enduring – and most inaccurate – myth.

The Reality: Many temps are among the most focused, outcome-driven professionals in the workforce.

Why? Because temp workers are often hired for specific deliverables. They’re brought in to meet deadlines, support backlogs, or complete defined projects. That means they arrive with a clear sense of purpose, hit the ground running, and are typically evaluated on their immediate contribution – not long-term potential or cultural integration.

In fact, many employers tell us that their temp hires are:

• Highly self-motivated
• Keen to make a strong impression (especially if open to temp-to-perm)
• Extremely results-focused, since their work is time-bound

Commitment doesn’t equal permanence – it’s about engagement and execution. And the best temp professionals take their role seriously, no matter the duration.

Myth #2: Temps Only Do Basic or Low-Level Work

This couldn’t be further from the truth.

The Reality: Temp workers now span every level of seniority and specialism.

At Elevate, we regularly place temps in roles such as:

• Interim Financial Controllers
• ESG Reporting Analysts
• Regulatory Project Leads
• Compliance Reviewers
• Strategic HRBPs
• Transformation Project Managers

Many of these professionals are highly qualified – some with 10+ years of experience – who’ve chosen temp work for flexibility, career variety, or family commitments.

We’ve even seen an increase in retired professionals re-entering the workforce through temp contracts, offering deep expertise for specific projects.

Myth #3: Temp Hiring Is Too Risky or Complicated

Some hiring managers worry that bringing in temp workers increases compliance risks or creates admin headaches.

The Reality: With the right recruitment partner, temp hiring is efficient, compliant, and low-risk.

A reputable agency will manage:

• Right-to-work and vetting
• Contract administration
• Payroll, tax, PRSI, and pensions (where applicable)
• Insurance coverage

Timesheet platforms and support desks

At Elevate Partners, we handle all of the above. This gives employers peace of mind while retaining full flexibility over duration, scope, and budget.

When temp hiring is done right, it’s not risky – it’s responsive.

Myth #4: Temps Won’t Integrate with the Team

A common concern is that temp workers won’t engage with internal teams or embed themselves in company culture.

The Reality: Temp workers are often highly adaptable and bring fresh energy to teams.

Most temporary professionals are used to joining new environments quickly. They’re skilled at absorbing team dynamics, learning fast, and building rapport without lengthy onboarding.

In many cases, they actually improve team morale – especially when they relieve pressure during peak workloads or bring specialised knowledge that enhances collective performance.

Managers can support integration by:

1. Including temps in meetings and communications
2. Clarifying roles and reporting lines early
3. Providing a short onboarding plan, even for 3-month contracts
4. Temporary doesn’t mean disengaged -it means focused.

Myth #5: Temp Roles Are a Last Resort for Candidates

Many employers assume that professionals only take temp roles because they “can’t get a permanent job.”

The Reality: Temporary work is often a deliberate career choice.

We regularly place temp professionals who have:

• Left permanent jobs to pursue flexibility
• Built portfolios across multiple industries
• Taken contract roles while consulting or freelancing
• Returned from career breaks and want project-based work

Far from being a fallback, temp work is increasingly seen as a smart, strategic career path – particularly for specialists who value autonomy and diverse experience.

Myth #6: Temps Don’t Add Long-Term Value

Some organisations believe temp workers are there to plug short-term holes and then move on.

The Reality: Temp staff often leave behind systems, improvements, and insights that deliver value long after they leave.

We’ve seen temporary ESG professionals overhaul internal reporting systems. Contract compliance managers who identified audit gaps. Interim HR leads who launched engagement programmes that continued long after their contract ended.

And of course, many temporary workers become permanent hires once their impact is clear.

Changing Perceptions, Unlocking Potential

So why do these myths persist?

Because too many organisations treat temporary recruitment as purely reactive. They only engage with temps when under pressure – meaning they’re less likely to have systems or mindsets in place to fully integrate or evaluate them.

But when employers take a proactive, strategic approach, temp hiring becomes a tool for:

• Innovation
• Flexibility
• Accessing scarce talent
• Mitigating project risk
• Reducing fixed costs

What Elevate Partners Believes About Temp Talent

We believe that the best talent isn’t always looking for a permanent role – and the best hiring strategies embrace that.

Our temp candidates are:

• Qualified, proven professionals
• Comfortable with project-based work
• Focused on results
• Available fast
• Thoroughly screened and supported

We work closely with hiring managers to ensure cultural fit, technical capability, and role clarity – so temp professionals can thrive from day one.

Final Thoughts

Hiring managers who cling to outdated perceptions about temporary workers risk missing out on exceptional people — and powerful opportunities to improve how work gets done.

If you’re ready to challenge assumptions and build a smarter, more flexible workforce, start by rethinking what temp talent can do.

Need help finding high-quality temp professionals in Ireland?

Reach out to Elevate Partners – we’ll help you source, onboard, and retain the right people, fast.