The Hidden Cost of Temporary Work
- Grace Underwood
- Jun 13
- 2 min read
Why Contingent Labor Deserves Better
In an economy increasingly reliant on contingent labor, temporary workers are no longer on the periphery, they are central to how business gets done. While their presence grows, protections for these workers haven’t kept pace. A recent deep-dive from the National Employment Law Project (NELP) highlights a hard truth: temporary workers face greater risk, fewer benefits, and often less pay than their directly-hired counterparts. It’s a wake-up call for employers and an opportunity to lead with integrity.
Contingent work does not mean expendable. It means agile, valuable, and worthy of the same thoughtful infrastructure as any other workforce segment. Here’s what employers need to know and how the right Employer of Record (EOR) partner can help you do better.
The Problem: Inequity in Temporary Work
NELP’s research shows that temporary workers:
Are paid 18-48% less than permanent staff doing the same job
Experience significantly higher rates of workplace injury
Are disproportionately workers of color, especially in low-wage, high-risk roles
Have limited access to benefits like paid sick leave, health insurance, and job protections
In short, the staffing model often used to “create flexibility” for employers can reinforce systemic inequities and operational blind spots if not managed with care.
A Better Model: EOR With Built-In Accountability
This is where the right EOR comes in. At Eastridge, we’re not just processing payroll, we’re a full-stack employer partner that:
Delivers benefits from Day 1, including health insurance, 401(k), and EAP access
Monitors compliance rigorously, from I-9 audits to wage and hour laws across 50 states and 80+ countries
Tracks safety and satisfaction, with real-tine feedback loops and Net Promoter Scores that outperform industry averages (our NPS: 90 vs. Industry: ~36)
Takes DEI seriously, helping clients align their contingent workforce strategies with broader equity goals
It’s not just about checking boxes; it’s about supporting every worker under our care.
Why It Matters to Employers
Many companies still treat temporary labor as an off-balance sheet item. BUT, when temporary workers become a vital part of your operations, they become a part of your brand. How they are treated speaks volumes.
Employers who proactively support contingent workers see:
Lower turnover and absenteeism
Higher quality output and engagement
Lower legal and compliance risk
A stronger employer brand in competitive markets
Your contingent labor strategy isn’t just a procurement function. It’s a talent and risk management function, and it should be treated with the same rigor and humanity as full-time hiring.
How Eastridge is Leading the Change
We manage over $400M in contingent workforce spend annually. It’s not just about scale, it’s about standards. Every worker onboarded through our Talient EOR platform is treated as a critical part of the client’s mission, with the legal protection, benefits, and support that ensures their success.
We partner with clients who want more than the minimum. Clients who understand that “temporary” should not mean vulnerable. Clients who want to compete on talent, not just cost.
It’s Time to Do Better
The contingent workforce is here to stay. The question is whether companies will continue to rely on outdates, inequitable systems, or if they will raise the bar.
