Contingent vs. Full-Time: Choosing the Right Hire for Your Needs
While hiring, one of the most important decisions you’ll make is whether to bring someone on full-time or opt for contingent support. Whether you're filling a sudden gap, launching a time-sensitive project, or planning for long-term growth, choosing the right type of hire can have a major impact on your team's productivity, budget, and overall success.
At Gateway Recruiting, we work with organizations across industries to help them determine the right fit for their unique needs. Here’s a breakdown to guide your decision…
What’s the Difference?
Contingent workers (contractors, consultants, or freelancers) are typically hired for specific projects or defined periods. They often work independently or through a staffing partner, and are not permanent employees.
Full-time employees are long-term staff members who are salaried, receive benefits, and are integrated into the company’s growth plans and internal culture.
When to Consider a Contingent Worker
Hiring a contractor can be a smart solution in various situations. If your team needs immediate expertise for a specialized task or project, a contingent worker can step in and start contributing right away, often with minimal onboarding. Contingent support is also ideal for covering temporary absences, such as parental leave or medical leave, allowing work to continue without overburdening full-time staff. For initiatives with a defined scope and timeline, like software rollouts or seasonal demand, contractors offer the flexibility to scale your team up or down as needed. In some cases, companies also use contract-to-hire models to evaluate a candidate’s performance and cultural fit before committing to a full-time hire.
When a Full-Time Hire Makes Sense
Bringing on a full-time employee is often the right choice when you're focused on long-term growth. Permanent hires are well-suited for roles that require ongoing development and training, where responsibilities may evolve over time, and the individual can grow within the organization. They also play a key role in helping to build and maintain company culture, contributing to team stability and continuity. When it’s important to retain institutional knowledge, streamline internal processes, or protect proprietary systems and strategies, full-time employees are more likely to stay invested and engaged over the long haul.
Cost Isn’t Everything – But It’s a Factor
While contingent labor may appear more expensive hourly, you avoid costs like benefits, payroll taxes, and long-term overhead. On the flip side, a misaligned full-time hire can be even more costly, especially if turnover occurs early.
The key is understanding what you’re really paying for: speed, flexibility, and expertise (contractors) vs. longevity, loyalty, and growth potential (full-time).
How Gateway Can Help
Whether you’re navigating a hiring surge or filling a strategic gap, Gateway Recruiting can help you weigh your options and find the right fit. From contract placements to retained searches, we offer flexible, scalable solutions tailored to your timeline and budget.
Need help deciding which type of hire is right for you?
Reach out to info@GatewayRecruiting.com to get started.