With the exception of job security, the core workers did not score significantly higher in any category, including in their satisfaction with compensation. In many cases, professional and technical contingent workers are paid better than full-time employees are. But in many cases, people choose to be contingent workers because it allows them job flexibility. Often hired for a special project, they leave when the assignment is complete, thus freeing them to care for an aging parent or young children. This type of temporary work also can be ideal for a retired person who wants to keep a hand in the labor force.
Experts disagree on how to define and count contingent workers.
Temporary help agency workers are paid by a temporary help or staffing company. Contract firm workers are employed by a company that provides them or their services under contract or leases, are usually assigned to only one customer, and work at the customer's site. Independent contractors are consultants, freelance workers, or contractors, who can be either self-employed or wage and salary workers. On-call workers report to work only when called. Here are some general guidelines for determining the status of your workers.