Working with interims and contractors can often be a controversial subject when we talk to hiring managers. Cost can often be the main limiting factor, and there is no doubt that hiring someone for a short period of time can lead to some eye watering invoices. However, with 5% of the UK workforce being made up of contractors, clearly these arrangements play an important and valuable role in many companies. Mackie Myers work with clients of all shapes and sizes to help make the right sustainable recruitment decisions. Below we have highlighted the three most common circumstances in which you should seriously consider hiring an interim solution…
 

When you need a permanent employee…
This may seem contradictory. However, sometimes a permanent employee is not a viable solution at that point in time. You may be planning to hire a newly created role, but want to spend some time ‘fine tuning’ the responsibilities and deliverables of the position. An interim can cover the gap in the short-term and help you scope out the right responsibilities for the long-term. Using their expertise could create the perfect opportunity to alter the position and ensure it is fit for purpose for the future of the business.
Alternatively, perhaps you have recently lost an important employee, or they are leaving on a short notice period.  Leaving a role vacant can be detrimental to your business and sourcing an immediately available interim may be the solution.  It may not be that the entirety of the role needs replacing in the short-term, but covering just a few key areas of the role could be a way of ensuring important requirements are not neglected, whilst also keeping the costs down. Additionally, having an experienced interim in place will take the pressure off your permanent hiring process and give you the ability to make sure you are bringing in the right talent and not rushing into poor hiring decisions.
 

Projects…
Perhaps a system implementation, a business transformation or even an important deadline looming that requires specific attention. If this is the case, then bringing in an interim as additional support to focus on this project means you can continue to focus on your day job whilst they take care of the project. If you are undergoing a specific project, this is a perfect opportunity to bring on board the specific skillsets and expertise you require to conduct the project if you don’t already have this in-house. Alternatively, you may use the project as an opportunity to upskill an existing member of staff, but need resource to backfill their role to ensure they can focus properly on the project outcomes.
 

During times of change…
Do you have an increased workload but not the budget or the head count for a new permanent employee? Permanent hires can be an expensive investment and commitment. This may be a great time to hire an interim as you will only be paying for the days that the interim works and they are only around for as long as you need them. Once they have met the objectives at the end of their contractual term, they will leave behind a successfully completed project or piece of work for a one-off cost. There are no salaries, annual leave or bonuses to pay!
If you would like to find out more about hiring an interim, please do not hesitate to get in contact with us at hello@mackiemyers.co.uk.