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Striking the Balance: Hiring for the Short Term vs the Long Term

Hiring the right talent at the right time is critical to organisational success. However, employers often face a dilemma: should they hire for short-term needs or focus on long-term goals? Each approach comes with distinct advantages and challenges, and striking the right balance between them is essential for sustainable growth.


The Case for Short-Term Hiring

Short-term hiring typically addresses immediate needs. Whether it’s filling a temporary gap in staffing, tackling a project with a fixed timeline, or responding to unexpected surges in workload, this approach is ideal for flexibility and speed. Short-term hires can also bring fresh perspectives and specialised expertise without the long-term commitment.

However, reliance on short-term hiring can present challenges. High turnover rates, onboarding costs, and the potential lack of cultural alignment can impact team cohesion and productivity. Over time, an overemphasis on short-term hiring can erode the organisation’s institutional knowledge, which is built through long-term staff retention.


The Value of Long-Term Hiring

Long-term hiring focuses on building a workforce that aligns with an organisation’s future objectives. It fosters stability, continuity, and the accumulation of deep institutional knowledge. Employees hired with a long-term perspective often exhibit greater loyalty, commitment, and understanding of the company’s values and culture.


This approach also allows businesses to invest in professional development, nurturing employees who can grow alongside the organisation. Long-term hiring is particularly advantageous for roles that require extensive training or deep expertise in company-specific processes.


However, it’s not without risks. The recruitment process can be lengthy and resource-intensive. Moreover, long-term hiring involves forecasting future needs—a task that can be challenging in dynamic industries. Misaligned long-term hires can be difficult to pivot or replace if organisational goals shift unexpectedly.


Balancing the Two Approaches

The most effective hiring strategy blends short- and long-term approaches. This requires a deep understanding of organisational priorities, market dynamics, and workforce planning.

  1. Assess Business Needs: Begin by identifying your organisation’s current and future goals. Is your priority to address a skills gap immediately or to build a team for sustained growth? An audit of your workforce capabilities can provide clarity and inform hiring decisions.

  2. Flexible Workforce Planning: A strategic workforce plan accounts for both short-term agility and long-term vision. Consider utilising a mix of permanent employees, contractors, and freelancers to create a dynamic workforce that adapts to changing demands.

  3. Leverage Data and Forecasting Tools: Workforce analytics can provide insights into hiring trends, employee turnover, and future skill requirements. Such tools enable organisations to make informed decisions and align their hiring strategies with broader business objectives.

  4. Cultural Fit and Development: Even in short-term hiring, cultural alignment is critical. Employees who resonate with your company values can integrate seamlessly into the team, enhancing collaboration. For long-term hires, prioritise candidates who demonstrate adaptability and potential for growth within your organisation.

  5. Build a Talent Pipeline: Establishing relationships with potential candidates before roles become available can reduce time-to-hire and improve the quality of both short- and long-term hires. A robust talent pipeline ensures that your organisation is always prepared for staffing challenges.



Balancing short-term and long-term hiring is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It requires a tailored approach that aligns with your organisation’s unique goals and challenges. By fostering agility while keeping an eye on the bigger picture, businesses can build resilient teams capable of navigating today’s complexities and tomorrow’s opportunities.


Hiring decisions are pivotal to your organisation’s success. Whether you’re addressing immediate needs or planning for sustainable growth, it’s essential to have a strategic workforce plan in place.


Ready to take the next step? Speak to a member of our team today and discover

how tailored workforce planning can help your organisation thrive.

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