Introduction
Temporary workers are increasingly performing specialized and supportive operational tasks at levels comparable to permanent employees, according to the latest ManpowerGroup Employment Outlook Survey. The survey found that 24% of organizations already employ a workforce of temporary workers for technical or specialized tasks, while another 19% plans to adopt this approach in the coming months.
High-Demand Periods and Expanding Roles
Traditionally, temporary staffing has been primarily driven by the need for support during peak demand periods, particularly in sectors like services and retail during year-end closures. However, the survey also highlights an emerging trend: companies are increasingly utilizing temporary arrangements to cover administrative functions (13%), customer service (14%), and operational support (15%) – indicating a shift in talent integration and management within organizations.
Growth in Independent Schemes with Social Security Coverage
This shift in labor relations coincides with a growing number of individuals opting for independent schemes with social security coverage. Data from the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS) shows a recent increase in voluntary incorporation or independent worker registrations, driven by professionals in services, specialized trades, and project-based activities.
Experts’ Perspective on Labor Market Evolution
Labor market specialists believe that the growth in both formal temporary work and independent schemes with IMSS registration points to a structural realignment of employment in Mexico: greater contractual flexibility alongside the pursuit of social security without necessarily securing a permanent position.
“Temporary work is becoming a strategic tool, not just a stopgap measure,” explained Alberto Alesi, ManpowerGroup’s General Director for Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America. “Companies need to adapt to shorter production cycles and market volatility; having a flexible workforce enables agile responses without compromising quality or productivity.”
According to Alesi, this evolution demonstrates that Mexican companies are embracing hybrid models. “In these models, permanent staff coexists with specialized talent, hired for specific projects or critical business development moments,” he noted.
Moreover, he added that temporary talent benefits companies with fluctuating hiring needs, such as those in seasonal sectors or rapidly growing industries.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is driving the rise in temporary worker employment? Companies are increasingly using temporary workers for specialized tasks and to adapt to shorter production cycles and market volatility.
- What types of roles are temporary workers filling? Temporary workers are engaged in technical and specialized tasks, administrative functions, customer service, and operational support.
- Why are more people choosing independent schemes with social security coverage? Professionals in services, specialized trades, and project-based activities are driving the growth in voluntary incorporation or independent worker registrations with the IMSS.
- How do hybrid employment models benefit companies? Hybrid models allow companies to maintain a core permanent staff while accessing specialized talent for specific projects or critical business moments, providing flexibility and ensuring quality without compromising productivity.
