Temporary assignments: Overview, definition, and example
What are temporary assignments?
Temporary assignments refer to work or job responsibilities given to employees for a limited period of time. These assignments are usually project-based or to fill in for a permanent employee who is on leave or vacation. Unlike permanent roles, temporary assignments are not intended to last indefinitely and typically have an agreed-upon end date. The employee may be given specific tasks or responsibilities for the duration of the assignment and may return to their regular role or be reassigned to other duties once the temporary assignment is completed.
For example, if one of your employees goes on maternity leave, you may offer a temporary assignment to another employee to cover their responsibilities until they return.
Why are temporary assignments important?
Temporary assignments are important because they allow businesses to remain flexible and adapt to changing needs without the long-term commitment of hiring a new employee. They can be useful in situations like managing increased workload, covering for absent employees, or completing specific short-term projects. Temporary assignments also allow businesses to test out employees for new roles or to manage fluctuating business demands efficiently.
For SMBs, using temporary assignments is a cost-effective way to manage temporary staffing needs and ensure continuity of operations without making permanent hires.
Understanding temporary assignments through an example
Imagine your small business has a busy season approaching, and you need additional staff to handle the increased customer demand. Instead of hiring permanent employees, you decide to create temporary assignments for existing staff or hire temporary workers for a few months to help out during this period. This allows you to handle the extra workload without committing to long-term employment contracts.
In another example, an employee on maternity leave may be replaced by someone temporarily for six months, with the understanding that they will leave once the original employee returns.
An example of temporary assignments in action
Here’s how temporary assignments might be referenced in a company policy or contract:
“The company may assign temporary duties to employees based on business needs, including coverage for absent employees, seasonal work, or project-based tasks. These assignments will have a defined start and end date, and employees will be informed of the temporary nature of their role.”
Conclusion
Temporary assignments are work roles or tasks given to employees for a limited period of time, typically to meet short-term business needs, cover for absences, or manage specific projects. For SMBs, using temporary assignments provides flexibility, helps manage workforce demands efficiently, and ensures that business operations continue smoothly without committing to permanent hires. Understanding and clearly defining the terms of temporary assignments helps businesses meet staffing needs while avoiding misunderstandings.
This article contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice. Cobrief is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. The law is complex and changes often. For legal advice, please ask a lawyer.