Which work model fits you? The big comparison

Temporary, part-time and ‘try & hire’ roles are often lumped together — yet they do not describe the same thing. This comparison categorises the three models according to workload and duration, and uses four questions to help you work out which model really suits your circumstances.

Your life isn't one-size-fits-all — so why should your work be? Whether you're looking for security, need variety, or want to take the leap into something new: there's a suitable working model for almost every life situation.

Temporary work, part-time, and Try & Hire are often lumped together — but they don't describe the same thing at all. The three terms describe different things: part-time refers to your workload — how much you work. Temporary refers to duration — your assignment is fixed-term. And Try & Hire is a special form of temporary work: a fixed-term assignment with the clear goal of being hired permanently afterwards.

The key insight: workload and duration are two separate questions — and they can be combined. A position can be both temporary and part-time at the same time. Understanding this lets you choose far more precisely.

39%

of people in employment in Switzerland work part-time (2024)

Source: Federal Statistical Office (FSO), Part-time employment in Switzerland 2024 (SLFS), 2024

Part-time (workload)

How much do you want to work?

Part-time answers the question of "how much?". In Switzerland, any workload below 90 percent counts as part-time — from an 80 percent job to just a few hours a week. This model suits anyone who wants to work less on a lasting basis, to combine their job with family, further education, care responsibilities, or a second project.

More about part-time →

Temporary work, by contrast, answers the question of "how long?". Your assignment is fixed-term — you work at a company for a set period. Whether that's full-time or part-time is a separate question. Temporary work suits anyone looking for flexibility and variety, who wants to get to know different companies, or who wants to deliberately bridge the gap between two positions with flexibility.

Try & Hire isn't a separate, third model — it's a special form of temporary work: a fixed-term assignment with the clear goal of being hired permanently afterwards. Both sides use the time to check whether it's a good long-term fit — before committing.

This opens up real combinations: a permanent part-time position, a temporary full-time assignment, a fixed-term part-time position. Try & Hire is a temporary assignment with the intention to hire — the bridge from "fixed-term" to "permanent".

Which model suits your situation?

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Balance and predictability

Looking for balance and predictability? Then part-time, usually on a permanent basis, suits you best.

Flexibility and variety

Looking for flexibility, variety, or a fast start? Then temporary work is your model.

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Try it out first, then commit

Want a permanent position, but only after trying each other out? Then Try & Hire is the right choice.

Less workload and fixed-term

Need both — less workload and a fixed term? Then a temporary part-time position is your solution.

Frequently asked questions

Is Try & Hire the same as temporary work?+

Not quite. Try & Hire is a form of temporary work — a fixed-term assignment. The difference lies in the intent: with Try & Hire, a permanent position is the stated goal from the outset, while classic temporary work focuses on flexibility.

Can a position be both temporary and part-time at the same time?+

Yes. Workload and duration are two independent questions. A fixed-term part-time position is entirely normal — for example, a 60 percent assignment limited to six months.

From what point does someone count as part-time in Switzerland?+

In official statistics, any workload below 90 percent counts as part-time. What matters is the level of employment, not the type of work.

Can I move from temporary work into a permanent position?+

Yes, and it happens often. Many companies hire temporary workers permanently. Try & Hire is designed exactly for this transition.

Which model is the most secure?+

That depends on your definition of security. A permanent part-time position offers the greatest predictability. Try & Hire offers security in the form of a concrete prospect of a permanent position. Temporary work, on the other hand, offers maximum flexibility.

Ready to find your model?

Filter on Flexbridge specifically by model, industry, and workload — directly with companies, with no agency involved.