Contingent Worker | Meaning and Definition

What is Contingent worker?

A contingent worker is somebody who works for a company but is not hired as a full-time employee. Contingent workers can work on a contract, on a temporary basis, or on an as-needed basis. Rather than taking a continuing, open-ended job like a permanent employee, they are frequently employed to accomplish a single project.

Many effective contingent workers can earn more money or work fewer hours than salaried employees, and in some cases, both. Contingent employees also place high importance on their autonomy. Contingent workers are free to select the most enticing assignments, and once you tell them what to do, the law states that they are free to determine how to accomplish it—no micromanagement is permitted. 

Advantages Of Contingent Workers 

  • Instead of committing to recruiting permanent personnel, businesses may vary the size of their workforce as their requirements change. There is an option of working with a contingent worker again once they have completed their assignment.
  • Companies are simply required to pay contingent workers the agreed-upon wage. They are not required to pay overtime or give employee benefits such as health insurance or paid time off.
  • Contingent workers are typically hired for advanced knowledge and skills that they already possess, which reduces or eliminates time to productivity.
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