Life for contingent workers not too shabby
Most contractors and temps choose a less permanent work option for lifestyle reasons but would also take a permanent job if it was offered.
That is the message from the Workplace Pulse survey that quizzed 2,328 contactors and temps working via recruitment agencies across Australia in retail, hospitality, health, industrial, construction, white collar and IT. Of that group, 72 per cent had been in their current role for less than a year.
Lifestyle was cited as the main reason for contingent work by 65 per cent of the temps and contractors surveyed. Of those, 21 per cent claimed it suited their lifestyle due to study (9 per cent), a career break (5 per cent), or to reduce their workload (7 per cent). Only 14 per cent cited necessity and 14 the higher salary. Using temping to find work in a new field (11 per cent) and 27 per cent to find permanent work in their usual field.
The 6th Workplace Pulse survey conducted by employment services provider Work Pro also found temp and contract work suits a range of ages with 49 per cent of the survey group aged 30 or over.
In the IT space, the Workplace Pulse survey shows many candidates prefer contracting as a way to secure higher rates of pay but also the opportunity to work on more interesting projects.
Despite all the positive talk about contingent work, a massive 65 per cent would still accept a permanent job if it was offered. Seven per cent would not and the rest were unsure.
Only 39 per cent of contractors/temps would take a pay cut to gain paid leave entitlements to cover sickness or holiday leave.
According to WorkPro, 70 per cent of the respondents claimed to be fully aware of their employer rights as a contractor and 25 per cent have some level of awareness.
Most contractors/temps want an upfront briefing on the expectations of the role (70 per cent), a manual to support their work (55 per cent) and info about occupation health and safety (54 per cent).
A massive 87 per cent claim they receive an adequate briefing about their occupational health & Safety rights, employment rights and obligations of their role.
Most respondents believe it is to their recruiter to tell them their entitlements (75 per cent) while 35 per cent believe it is the host employer and only 10 per cent believe it is their own responsibility.
