Temporary employment with long-term impact: how temporary staffing solutions become a strategic business resource

In an increasingly dynamic business environment, companies in Bulgaria face the growing need to become more flexible and adaptive in their responses. Temporary employment is no longer seen merely as a short-term fix but is increasingly established as a strategic tool with long-term benefits.

In Bulgaria, temporary employment still accounts for a relatively small share compared to other European countries. According to some sources, only around 2–3% of employed individuals in Bulgaria work under fixed-term contracts, while the average level across the European Union is over 10%. Even if gradually, temporary employment is gaining popularity and demand.

For “In Our Focus”, Sonya Valkova, Professional Consultant at Manpower Bulgaria, shares insights into the growing interest in temporary employment from both employers and job seekers.

Temporary or permanent employment: a strategic choice

Traditionally, companies aim to build stable teams of permanent employees. However, when faced with the need for rapid capacity expansion, seasonal peaks, or specific projects, temporary employment provides the required operational flexibility.

TEMP solutions offer the possibility to quickly attract qualified professionals without long-term commitment while allowing better cost control. The main advantages of temporary employment are flexibility in human resource management, lower long-term costs, and the opportunity to assess employee performance before offering a permanent contract.

When flexibility matters more than long-term commitment

During periods of uncertainty or rapid market changes, hiring temporary staff enables businesses to remain efficient and adaptable. Instead of relying on rigid structures, companies can count on a dynamic resource that scales up or down according to their needs. This approach is particularly valuable for projects with defined timelines, implementation of new processes, or the launch of new business lines.

In Bulgaria, temporary staffing is increasingly adopted in the manufacturing and retail sectors, with growing trust from hoteliers and restaurateurs in agencies providing temporary workers. The construction and agricultural sectors are only beginning to explore such partnerships.

What do candidates want and what do companies expect?

With the growth of the economy and digital transformation, there is a rising interest in more flexible employment models. More and more young people and students prefer short-term assignments that allow them to balance education and work. At the same time, the increasing talent shortage is pushing employers to explore alternative staffing options, including temporary employment.

The profile of individuals opting for temporary roles is also evolving. Beyond young people and students, interest in temporary work is rising among professionals undergoing reskilling, parents, individuals between permanent jobs, or those seeking more flexible work arrangements.

Companies are not merely looking for “backup staff,” but rather for flexible, motivated, and adaptable employees who can add value from day one.

TEMP as part of a modern HR strategy

When well-structured and managed, a TEMP employment strategy brings concrete business benefits:

• Improved resource management;
• Reduced administrative burden;
• Access to a broader and more diverse talent pool;
• Opportunity to transition temporary employees into permanent roles after proven performance.

Temporary employment is no longer just a “plan B” – it is a necessity for resilience and competitiveness. Companies that recognise and integrate this model into their strategy build more agile, dynamic, and sustainable organisational structures.

The key to success lies in partnering with an experienced temporary staffing agency that selects the right candidates, prepared to meet business needs.