Temp vs Contract: Choosing the Right Labor Strategy This Holiday Season
As the holiday season ramps up, many employers scramble to stay staffed without overspending. But not all short-term hiring is created equal. Understanding the difference between temporary hires and contract workers is essential for managing costs, compliance, and continuity. Whether you need seasonal support, project-based expertise, or backfill during staff vacations, Resource Employment Solutions offers flexible staffing strategies that align with your goals. We help you choose the right solution based on timing, risk, and role complexity, so your operations run smoothly through year-end and into Q1. Contact Resource Employment Solutions to optimize your labor strategy before peak season hits.
Why Labor Strategy Matters During the Holidays
Holiday operations put unique strain on every workforce: absenteeism spikes, customer demand rises, and timelines shrink. To stay productive without permanent headcount increases, businesses must decide: Should we bring on temporary workers or contract hires?
Both options fill critical roles, but they serve different purposes. Choosing the right one can make the difference between efficiency and burnout, profitability and risk.
At Resource Employment Solutions, we guide employers through these decisions every season, helping them secure the right talent through the right hiring model. Our national team ensures your holiday staffing plan supports your goals, without adding long-term obligations.
Understanding the Difference: Temporary vs. Contract Work
As the holiday season ramps up, many businesses in logistics, manufacturing, and warehousing face the same challenge: how to scale labor quickly without overcommitting long-term. The right workforce strategy can mean the difference between smooth seasonal operations and costly delays.
While temporary workers and contract workers are often used interchangeably, they serve different functions, and choosing the right option depends on your business goals.
Temporary Hire: Fast Relief for Short-Term Demand
Temporary workers are ideal when your needs are urgent but short in duration. Whether you’re filling in for holiday absences, managing a shipping spike, or catching up on backlogged orders, temp hires give you speed and flexibility.
Key Benefits:
- Rapid placement for short-term roles
- Scalable support during peak periods
- Minimal onboarding required
- Ideal for entry-level or manual labor positions
Contract Work: Specialized Talent for Defined Projects
Contract workers are brought on for a set scope and timeline, often with more technical skills or supervisory experience. If you need someone to oversee a shift, run specialized equipment, or manage operations during the holidays, contract work is likely the better fit.
Key Benefits:
- Skilled workers for high-impact roles
- Defined project timelines and budgets
- Less risk of permanent overhead
- Stronger retention over the contract duration
Need to Make the Right Staffing Call Fast?
At Resource Employment Solutions, we don’t just fill roles—we help businesses build smart, scalable workforce strategies. If your team is planning ahead for the holidays, don’t wait. Let’s build a staffing solution that meets your budget, timeline, and quality needs.
Contact us today to find out whether temporary staffing or contract hiring is the better fit for your holiday season.
The RES Onboarding Process
Our commitment to you is deeper than just providing a list of potential candidates. We are committed to designing and implementing the most effective staffing strategy for you. Here is what you can expect when you choose Resource Employment Solutions as your recruiting and staffing partner.
When you connect with Resource Employment Solutions, you will be matched with an account management team who specializes in placing top talent within your industry. You will have a dedicated recruiter or recruiting team assigned and they will remain your point of contact to understand your business and address all your staffing needs.
Your Staffing Questions Answered: Temp Hires Vs Contract Workers
Temp hires usually fill short-term needs like absentee coverage or demand spikes. Contract hires are typically brought on for fixed projects or specialized roles that last longer and require specific skill sets. Contact Resource Employment Solutions today for reliable help with staffing.
Very fast. We maintain a ready-to-deploy roster of pre-vetted candidates for light industrial, warehouse, logistics, and skilled trades across the U.S.
Absolutely. RES works flexibly with clients to adjust staffing strategies as needs evolve. Whether you need to extend, convert, or change models, we can help.
