Temp vs. Full-Time: Which Makes More Sense for Your Next Hire?
- Lesli Barraza
- Jul 22
- 3 min read
Temp vs. Full-Time: Which Makes More Sense for Your Next Hire?
At Brixton Staffing, we understand that every hiring decision carries weight — not just for your bottom line, but for your team, your goals, and your community. Whether you're navigating growth, covering an absence, or launching something new, one big question always comes up:
Should we hire someone temporarily, or bring someone on full-time?
Let’s walk through both options with clarity, purpose, and a focus on what truly fits your business needs — right now and for the long haul.
Quick Overview
Temporary staffing gives you flexibility, speed, and scalability.
Full-time hiring is ideal for long-term roles, development, and consistency.
Temp-to-hire bridges the gap when you want to try before you commit.
Understanding the Difference
Temporary employees are brought in for a short-term need. They’re employed through a staffing agency like Brixton, which handles payroll, compliance, and onboarding.
Full-time employees join your team directly, typically with benefits and long-term expectations.
Each option has its place — and the key is knowing when to use which.
When Temporary Staffing Is a Smart Move
Temporary staffing gives businesses the agility to adjust quickly, especially in fast-paced or seasonal industries.
Temp roles work best when:
You're facing a seasonal surge or special event.
You need support for a short-term project or product launch.
A team member is on leave or recovering from an absence.
You’re testing a n ew position before committing to it permanently.
You need help fast, but aren’t ready for a long-term hire.
Benefits of temporary staffing:
Rapid placement of skilled workers.
Lower upfront commitment.
Reduced administrative work on your end.
Flexibility to scale your workforce up or down as needed.
At Brixton, we carefully match workers who are ready to show up and make an impact — even on day one.
When Full-Time Hiring Makes Sense
Some roles need stability, continuity, and long-term investment. That’s where full-time hiring shines.
Full-time roles are best when:
The job is critical to your daily operations.
It requires deep knowledge, training, or client interaction.
You want to invest in long-term growth and team development.
Culture-building and employee retention are top priorities.
Benefits of full-time hiring:
Stronger employee loyalty.
Deeper connection to company goals and values.
Lower turnover in roles that demand consistency.
We love seeing businesses grow alongside their people. A strong full-time hire often becomes part of the foundation that moves a business forward.
What About Temp-to-Hire?
Not ready to decide right away? Temp-to-hire is a great middle ground. It allows you to evaluate a candidate’s performance, reliability, and cultural fit before making it official.
Why temp-to-hire works:
Less risk, more insight.
Motivates workers to perform at their best.
Gives both sides time to feel confident in the match.
Brixton supports you throughout the process — from the initial placement to potential conversion, if the fit is right.
Cost Considerations
Temporary staffing typically involves an hourly bill rate that covers wages, taxes, and agency services. You don’t worry about benefits, unemployment, or payroll.
Full-time hiring comes with long-term costs: salary, taxes, benefits, training, and onboarding. But the return on investment can be significant in stable, long-term roles.
Still unsure? We’ll help you compare options based on your goals, budget, and timeline.
How to Decide: A Quick Checklist
Scenario | Go Temp | Go Full-Time |
|---|---|---|
Seasonal demand or short-term need | ✅ | |
Launching a new program or pilot role | ✅ | |
Need someone immediately | ✅ | |
Building a leadership pipeline | ✅ | |
Complex onboarding or proprietary systems | ✅ | |
Focusing on long-term culture and growth | ✅ |
Real-World Examples
Short-Term Project: You’re turning over a stadium after back-to-back games. → Temp team handles it quickly and efficiently.
Growing Your Team: You’re launching a new production line and want to test capacity. → Temp-to-hire lets you scale smartly and retain top performers.
Long-Term Role: You need a logistics coordinator who will be with you for years to come. → Full-time hire is the right investment.
Brixton’s Role in Your Hiring Strategy
Whether you're hiring for one shift or building a full department, we’re here to help you do it thoughtfully and effectively.
We support you with:
Flexible staffing strategies
Fast access to pre-screened workers
Temp-to-hire solutions
Industry insights and market wage data
A community-first approach to workforce development
We're not just a staffing agency — we're your partner in building strong, reliable teams.
Need help making your next hire?
Call us at 888-296-5911 or reach out through our website. We’re ready when you are.



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