Effects of short‐ and long‐term preference for temporary work upon psychological outcomes

The study examined differences between voluntary and involuntary Canadian ( N = 224) temporary help employees (THEs). The hypotheses stated that compared to involuntary THEs, voluntary THEs, particularly those who see it as a long‐term employment arrangement, are more satisfied and involved and less stressed. Results supported most of the hypotheses. Long‐term THEs were higher in overall satisfaction and in two of three measures of facet satisfaction. They were also lower in role conflict and role ambiguity. Analyses rule out the possibility that the results merely express adaptation of attitudes to imposed employment realities. It was also found that involuntary THEs prefer long assignments with a single client‐company whereas voluntary THEs prefer the variety associated with short‐term assignments. Few male (21.5 per cent of the sample) and female differences in outcome measures were found. Implications for client companies, for human resource agencies, and for individual employees are suggested.