Using Temporary Workers May Cause Far-Reaching Consequences

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Pille Strauss-Raats has studied two different workplaces within a multinational company in Poland and Sweden – two countries that apply different regulatory frameworks for hired workers. The Polish framework aims to restrict the use of hired workers, while Sweden has more liberal regulation.

Through interviews, observations and surveys, Pille Strauss-Raats has shown that the regulations affect both working conditions and the working environment. This applies not only to agency workers, but also to permanent workers at the same workplace. 

One of the study’s conclusions is that Swedish regulations based on collective agreements have facilitated the long-term integration of hired workers into the workplace. This has had consequences for the working environment, with for example hired and regular employees carrying out similar work tasks and having opportunities for skills development. 

- At the same time, regular staff describe the injustice of their colleagues of many years carrying out the same work tasks but not having secure employment conditions, says Pille Strauss-Raats.

At the same time, regular staff describe the injustice of their colleagues of many years carrying out the same work tasks but not having secure employment conditions.

The study shows that the restrictive legislation in Poland has not prevented hiring, but rather has led to the use of agency workers as a flexible buffer, segregated in low-skilled tasks on the fringes of the organisation. Their hired staff are excluded from formal social arrangements, and lack opportunities for skills development. 

- When hired workers are only intended to perform simple tasks, the strain on permanent staff increases and can have a negative impact on their health in the long term.

When hired workers are only intended to perform simple tasks, the strain on permanent staff increases and can have a negative impact on their health in the long term.

Agency workers in both Poland and Sweden report greater uncertainty regarding income, employment and job tasks than other staff. This uncertainty makes it more difficult to turn down new work tasks, for fear of being seen as ‘problematic’. In those cases where agency workers take more risks, then entire organisation is affected.

Pille Strauss-Raats urges decision-makers and employers to consider the far-reaching consequences of these forms of employment.

- Not only because they can create uncertainty among employees, but also because of the way using flexible working forms affects the working environment as a whole.