What does contingent mean in recruitment?

In the recruitment context, contingent workers are employees who are not directly employed by the organization for which they work, but instead are employed by an agency or another organization. These workers are typically used to fill short-term or project-based roles within the organization.

There are several advantages to using contingent workers. First, it can be a cost-effective way to staff a project or fill a short-term need. Second, it can be a way to access a larger pool of talent than what is available within the organization. Finally, it can be a way to reduce the risk associated with hiring, as the organization is not responsible for the workers' employment status.

There are also some disadvantages to using contingent workers. First, there can be a lack of commitment from the workers to the organization, as they are not directly employed by the organization. Second, there can be a lack of continuity within the organization, as workers may be replaced frequently. Finally, there can be communication challenges, as workers may be located in different parts of the world.