Why Temporary Work? Everything You Need to Know
Temporary work is a fixed-term employment arrangement that offers a fast start, flexibility and variety. In Switzerland it is firmly established in the labour market: 60 percent of companies already rely on temporary staff. This guide answers the most important questions about its advantages, your rights, and how to find the right temporary position directly through Flexbridge.
What does this mean?
Temporary work is a fixed-term employment arrangement where you work for a company for a set period of time. It offers flexibility, a fast start, and variety — ideal for anyone between jobs, reorienting their career, or deliberately staying flexible. In Switzerland, temporary work is firmly established in the labour market.
Unlike a classic permanent position, your assignment is limited in time. That might sound like uncertainty, but for many it's exactly the advantage: you gain experience at different companies, keep your options open, and often find your way back into a permanent position when it suits you.
Temporary work isn't a niche — it's a core part of the Swiss economy. 60 percent of Swiss companies already have experience using temporary staff, and four out of ten currently employ them. Temporary workers are spread across every sector: 58 percent work in services, 26 percent in industry, and 15 percent in construction.
Who is this suitable for?
Temporary work offers one thing above all: mobility. You respond flexibly to your life situation, bridge the gap between two permanent positions, or get to know different companies before committing long-term.
Specifically, these points speak for temporary work: a fast start, often within days rather than weeks; flexibility in what, when, and where you work; variety through different companies, industries, and tasks; a bridge to a permanent position, since many assignments lead to a fixed contract; and clear protection through employment law and any applicable industry collective agreement (GAV) or the staffing sector's own GAV.
What do I need to be aware of?
Temporary work suits you if you want a fast start, enjoy variety across different companies, or are currently between two permanent positions. It is less suitable if you need long-term planning security or a fixed, unchanging daily routine.
How to find it
- 1Register for free
Register for free with Flexbridge and receive matching offers every day.
- 2Stay in control
You have full control and decide for yourself which industry and region you want to work in.
- 3Apply directly
Found the right position? Apply directly — via Flexbridge, without time-consuming detours through agencies.
Frequently asked questions about temporary work
Am I socially insured as a temporary worker?+
Yes. Exactly how depends on your type of employment: if you're hired directly by the company, the Code of Obligations and any applicable industry collective agreement apply. If you're placed by a staffing agency, the staffing sector's collective agreement (GAV Personalverleih) also applies. Either way, you're socially insured.
Does temporary work lead to a permanent position?+
Often, yes. Many companies use temporary assignments to get to know staff — and then hire them permanently. Models like Try & Hire are designed exactly for this.
How quickly can I start a temporary assignment?+
Often very quickly. Temporary assignments are frequently filled within a few days, since companies use them to cover short-term needs.
Do I earn less as a temporary worker?+
No — depending on how urgent the need is, you may well earn more. At Flexbridge, the high fees charged by staffing agencies fall away, creating especially fair conditions for you as an employee.
Ready for your next assignment?
Register for free with Flexbridge and receive matching temporary positions every day — directly from companies, with no agency involved.
Register now