Back
10 min czytania 13 March 2025

Temporary work and permanent work – what are the differences?

Are you looking for a job and wondering whether a temporary job or a permanent job is a better choice? Each form of employment has its advantages and disadvantages, and the decision depends on your expectations and life situation. Temporary work and permanent work – what are the differences? Who is a temporary worker? What is a temporary employment contract? What is the support of a temporary employment agency?

Temporary work and permanent work

TABLE OF CONTENTS

What is temporary work – Labour Code

There is no direct definition of temporary work in the Polish Labour Code, as the regulations for this type of employment are found in the Act on the Employment of Temporary Employees of 9 July 2003.

Temporary work is a form of employment in which an employee performs duties for a user employer, but is formally employed by a temporary work agency. It is mainly used in the case of:

  • replacement of absent employees,
  • seasonal increases in demand for labour,
  • implementation of short-term projects.

Temporary work refers to employment for a specific period of time, usually in connection with seasonal, periodic or ad hoc needs of the employer. Its length is regulated by legislation, which specifies the maximum permissible period of such employment.

How long can an employee do temporary work?

Temporary work, as the name suggests, is short-term in nature and is carried out for a specific period of time, according to the needs of the employer. It can take the form of seasonal, temporary or ad hoc employment. A temporary worker is formally employed by a temporary employment agency, which assigns him or her to work for a specific user employer. The duration of such work is limited by law – it cannot exceed 18 months within a 36-month period with the same employer.

This means that over a three-year period, a temporary worker can be employed by a particular employer on temporary contracts for a total of one and a half years. After this time, if the employer still wishes to continue the cooperation, it is necessary to employ the employee on another basis, such as a fixed-term or indefinite-term employment contract.

Read also: Recruiter – who is he, what are his responsibilities?

Temporary work and permanent work

How does a temporary employment agency work?

A temporary employment agency is an institution that acts as an intermediary between employers and job seekers. Through temporary work, employees can gain experience, flexibly adjust their schedules to their needs and find job offers in various sectors.

Temporary work allows temporary workers to be employed for a specific period of time, tailored to the employer’s needs. The agency signs a contract with the worker and pays his or her salary, as well as providing employee benefits such as social security. The employee himself performs his duties for a so-called user employer, i.e. a company that needs staff support for a specific period.

Employment agencies recruit for a variety of positions, but the most common are physical jobs such as warehouse worker, production worker, construction worker, driver, etc. In addition to this, employees for the catering, hotel and service sectors are also often sought after, such as waiters, receptionists or cleaners. With temporary work, jobseekers can quickly find an offer that matches their qualifications and time availability.

Temporary worker – who is it?

A temporary worker is a person hired by a temporary employment agency and posted to perform duties for a user employer. The employment of temporary workers entails many advantages for both parties. The temporary worker has the opportunity for professional development and experience, and can later hope for permanent employment at the end of the contract. This does not always happen, but there are cases where the employer rewards committed employees with a permanent contract.

Temporary work and permanent work – what are the differences?

Temporary work and permanent work differ mainly in terms of the form of employment, the duration of the contract and also the working conditions. Temporary work and permanent employment – what are the main differences?ice?

Employment

  • Temporary work takes place through a temporary employment agency, which hires the employee and assigns him or her to a user employer.
  • Permanent work involves direct employment by a company, often on a fixed-term or indefinite-term contract.

Contract duration

  • Temporary work is time-limited – by law it cannot last more than 18 months within a 36-month period with the same user employer.
  • Permanent work usually has no such limitation and can continue for a long period of time.

Relationship with the employer

  • The temporary worker mainly has contact with the employment agency, which is the formal employer, and contact with the user employer is limited to the performance of the tasks assigned.
  • The permanent worker has direct contact with the employer and other team members, which allows for a closer relationship and cooperation within the company.

Read also: How do you become a warehouseman?

Temporary work and permanent work

Temporary work and permanent work – for whom?

Temporary work is a flexible form of employment that can be ideal for people who need a short-term job or want to gain experience. It is also a good solution for foreigners who come to a new country for temporary work. It will also work well for those who need an extra income, such as students, parents or people who do not yet have work experience and want to gain their first experience.

A permanent job provides more professional stability and the possibility for long-term career development. Those looking for a permanent job usually want professional stability and long-term employment with one company. This type of job is suitable for those who want to grow in one industry, to strive for promotion.

Benefits of temporary work for the employee

Temporary work can offer many benefits to temporary workers:

  • Flexibility – Temporary work allows you to adapt your working hours to suit your individual needs. It can be ideal for people who want to combine work with study, childcare or other responsibilities.
  • Quick employment – Compared to permanent jobs, the recruitment process for temporary work is usually shorter, allowing you to start work quickly. This is an excellent option for people who are urgently looking for work.
  • Work experience – Temporary workers often have the opportunity to work in a variety of companies and industries, allowing them to gain valuable experience that may be useful in the future when looking for permanent employment.
  • Career development opportunities – For those who are just starting out in their careers, temporary work can be an opportunity to learn about the labour market, acquire new skills and make valuable professional contacts.
  • Wide range of offers – Temporary employment agencies offer a variety of offers in different industries, allowing employees to choose the position that best suits their skills and preferences.
  • Payment and benefits – Temporary workers, like permanent employees, are entitled to a salary and employee benefits, such as health insurance, which provides them with additional protection.
  • Opportunity for permanent work – Temporary work can lead to permanent employment. Companies often hire temporary workers on a full-time basis if the workers demonstrate the right skills and commitment.

Employment agencies, by offering temporary work services, make it possible to find work quickly in a variety of industries, while also providing suitable temporary working conditions. Are you looking for temporary work? Or do you need a temporary employee? Get in touch with our employment agency! We have many years of experience in temporary and permanent recruitment.

Check also: Standing work – Health and safety at work and employer’s responsibilities

Tags

employment job job search