Temporary: Overview, definition, and example
What is temporary?
Temporary refers to something that is meant to last for a short period of time or is not permanent. In business and legal contexts, "temporary" often describes a type of arrangement, role, or condition that is meant to be in place only for a limited duration. For example, temporary employees are hired for short-term assignments, temporary contracts are set for specific tasks or timeframes, and temporary conditions might refer to changes or adjustments that are expected to be reversed after a certain time.
In simpler terms, "temporary" means something that is not meant to last forever, but only for a set period or until a certain goal or condition is met.
Why is temporary important?
The concept of temporary is important because it provides flexibility in business operations and contracts. It allows companies to hire workers, adjust policies, or set conditions for specific tasks or periods, without making long-term commitments. Temporary arrangements can be beneficial when there’s a need for extra help, seasonal work, or short-term changes, without the complexities of permanent agreements.
For SMB owners, understanding when and how to use temporary arrangements can help manage costs, respond to fluctuating demands, and avoid the need for permanent changes unless necessary.
Understanding temporary through an example
Imagine your business experiences a surge in customer demand during the holiday season. To meet this increased demand, you hire temporary workers for a period of three months. These workers are brought on to help during the busy season, and their employment ends once the demand decreases after the holidays. In this case, the workers are hired temporarily, with a clear end date to their employment.
In this example, the use of temporary workers helps your business handle increased demand without the long-term obligation of permanent employees.
Example of a temporary clause
Here’s an example of what a temporary clause might look like in a contract or agreement:
“The Employee is hired on a temporary basis for the period from [start date] to [end date], to perform [specific duties]. This temporary employment is subject to termination at any time, with or without cause, at the discretion of the Employer.”
Conclusion
Temporary arrangements provide businesses with the flexibility to meet short-term needs without committing to long-term changes. Whether through temporary hires, contracts, or conditions, the ability to implement temporary solutions is valuable for SMB owners in managing workload fluctuations, addressing immediate needs, or testing changes before committing permanently. By understanding and utilizing temporary options, businesses can remain adaptable and cost-effective while managing both short-term goals and long-term strategy.
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.