Due to globalization and rapidly growing competition among companies, temporary work in the last decade became a widely used form of employment. Temporary employees can be hired directly by a firm or through a temporary staffing agency. However, temporary work comes at a hidden cost for some employees – stress. Yet, temporary work is sometimes the only means of earning an income, so we need to find ways to deal with any stress that results from such employment.
Causes of and Solutions to Stress
A side effect of having a temporary job is the lack of fixed security, which can lead to psychological tension. And such tension can lead to high levels of stress. Therefore, a person taking on a short-term job should evaluate his or her personality, and the advantages and disadvantages of this type of work. Since stress can cause many other problems and it can make life unnecessarily complicated. However, it can turn into a positive experience when, for instance, one gets hired permanently, or develops a close relationship with a person who can help him or her in the future, or receives valuable experience for a future job. Also, having gaps on a CV is less presentable than having it nicely filled in.
Another effect of temporary work is a feeling of not belonging when working with a team. Other team members might express unwillingness to share the information, or to let one in. This leads to a feeling of isolation, which can cause anxiety and chronic stress. In addition, because of segregation, it is hard to learn and develop new skills, or feel valued and recognized. It does not mean that the situation is not reversible. One can, for example, try to develop closer contact with one of the permanent workers, which would make a new employee more attractive to the old ones. Moreover, by showing sincere interest in colleagues and the work they do, one can help make it easier to fit in.
For some, meeting new people can turn into a source of a stress. People differ greatly; some of us are extroverts that are thrilled to interact with others, while some of us are introverts and would rather keep a low profile or be in the observer’s position. Therefore, when introverts are around new people, adapting to a new work environment, or constantly having to go to job interviews, they can have more stress than extroverts. However, if one is an introvert, there might be ways in dealing with being overwhelmed. Some might find it calming to bond with just a few colleagues if the work type allows for that. Furthermore, it might be a good idea to try to avoid a temporary job that involves communication with many colleagues or making public presentations if, of course, it is possible to do so. Also, one can find it stress relieving to attend yoga or boxing classes, or to even try to go to theater or improvisation courses, in order to learn to speak in public, or to be more comfortable with spontaneous changes.
Then there is the issue of being assigned tasks that no one else in the company wants to perform when one is a temporary worker. It can lead to boredom or it can lower self-esteem. One can become demotivated or lack pride in the job, which can lead to a negative cycle where one might agree to stay at the company and continue with the unappreciated position, feeling unhappy. This is challenging, however, the mind is a powerful tool, which we can use to seek the positive in any negative situation. Therefore, if the job is boring or demotivating, it might be that the colleagues are great and fun people to be around, or maybe the employer offers opportunities such as education, which one can look into. It is wise to make the best of the situation rather than focus on what makes one unhappy.
Overall, it is better to have a temporary job than no job at all if money is an issue. However, each person is an individual, so there is no formula of living and working that fits everyone. Temporary work has two sides: one positive and one negative. It is up to us to decide on which side we will focus on, and how we will perceive the situation we are in. Therefore, the hidden stress of temporary work can be controlled, or even avoided altogether.
Asta Kerkhoven
Sources:
• https://www.job-hunt.org/temporary-work/temporary-employment-advantages-disadvantages.shtml
• http://www.redstarresume.com/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-temporary-employment/
• http://www.tempstaff.net/2011/12/31/10-pros-and-cons-of-using-temps/
• https://job-searching.knoji.com/the-advantages-and-disadvantages-in-working-for-a-temporary-agency/
• http://www.theemployable.com/index.php/2014/12/19/temp-employment-the-advantages-and-disadvantages-of-temp-jobs/
• https://www.thebalance.com/temporary-employees-1918273
• http://smallbusiness.chron.com/temporary-employment-17785.html
• https://socialwellness.wordpress.com/why-social-isolation-makes-us-sick-%E2%80%93-a-theory/