---
title: Is temporary staffing the same as secondment?
description: Discover the differences between staffing and secondment, and choose the form of work that best suits your needs for a successful future.
image: https://metacarriere.nl/hubfs/project-manager-talking-and-planning-optimization-2025-01-26-12-00-08-utc.jpg
---

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# Is temporary staffing the same as secondment?

- Blog

![](https://metacarriere.nl/hs-fs/hubfs/project-manager-talking-and-planning-optimization-2025-01-26-12-00-08-utc.jpg?width=1110&height=625&name=project-manager-talking-and-planning-optimization-2025-01-26-12-00-08-utc.jpg)

It almost sounds the same, but there is indeed a difference between staffing and secondment. Yet many people don't know exactly what that difference is, and that's a shame. Because choosing between the two forms of work can have a big impact on your income, rights and future prospects.

 

In this blog we clearly explain what temporary employment and secondment mean, what the advantages of both are and how you can discover what suits you best.

 

## What is temping?

Temporary [employment](https://metacarriere.nl/werkgevers-uitzenden) involves working temporarily for a company through an employment agency, such as Meta Career. You usually don't have a set schedule or long-term contract. You work when you are needed, and you only get paid for the hours worked.

 

![diverse-women-working-in-greenhouse-checking-plant-2025-02-19-06-11-32-utc](https://metacarriere.nl/hs-fs/hubfs/diverse-women-working-in-greenhouse-checking-plant-2025-02-19-06-11-32-utc.jpg?width=558&height=372&name=diverse-women-working-in-greenhouse-checking-plant-2025-02-19-06-11-32-utc.jpg)

 

Imagine this: you work at a store through a temp agency for three weeks. Then the work stops and you have to wait for a new assignment. You have no guarantee of the next project or income.

 

[Temping is popular](https://www.penmac.com/temporary-job/#:~:text=A%20temporary%20job%20is%20a,chance%20to%20meet%20new%20people.) among students or people who want to get started quickly without many obligations. But that flexibility also means less security.

 

## What is secondment?

[Secondment](https://metacarriere.nl/werkgevers-detacheren) is basically similar to temporary employment, but it is arranged slightly differently. You get a contract with a secondment agency and are placed with a client for an agreed period, for example three or six months.

 

![warehouse-inventory-worker-happy-working-together-2025-03-09-01-46-27-utc](https://metacarriere.nl/hs-fs/hubfs/warehouse-inventory-worker-happy-working-together-2025-03-09-01-46-27-utc.jpg?width=594&height=396&name=warehouse-inventory-worker-happy-working-together-2025-03-09-01-46-27-utc.jpg)

 

The big difference? You get paid even if there is temporarily no work. And you immediately build up employment rights such as pension, vacation pay and sick pay.

 

Secondment is often chosen by people who do want temporary assignments, but who also need stability. Think of someone who has a few years of experience and wants to develop further in a particular field such as ICT, administration or technology.

 

Did you know that many secondment agencies also offer [training or career guidance](https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/how-do-staffing-agencies-work) so that you can continue to develop yourself?

 

## What does this mean as an employee?

It depends on your situation. Are you looking for work quickly and don't mind changing clients? Then temping may suit you well.

Do you want more structure, certainty about your income and like to grow in your work? Then secondment is often the better choice.

 

Here are the main differences:

- - *Temping *: [flexible](https://metacarriere.nl/blog/waarom-flexibiliteit-in-recruitment-onmisbaar-is-voor-succes), quick start, only paid for hours worked, little security.
- - *Secondment *: permanent contract with agency, continued payment in case of no work, more rights and often guidance.
-  

Ask yourself: do I want freedom above all, or security and growth?

 

## How do companies look at it?

Employers usually make a choice based on their needs at that moment. For example, does a company need someone temporarily to handle busy times? Then they often choose [a temporary worker](https://metacarriere.nl/blog/de-juiste-balans-tussen-eigen-personeel-en-uitzendkrachten). That is quickly arranged and flexible.

 

Is a company looking for someone with specific knowledge for a long-term project? Then secondment is a better option. It provides more security and continuity.

 

At Meta Career, we find that employers often don't know exactly what the difference is. We then help them choose what best suits their situation, and ensure that both employee and employer are satisfied.

 

![Scherm­afbeelding 2025-02-14 om 12.14.46](https://metacarriere.nl/hs-fs/hubfs/Scherm%C2%ADafbeelding%202025-02-14%20om%2012.14.46.png?width=615&height=412&name=Scherm%C2%ADafbeelding%202025-02-14%20om%2012.14.46.png)

 

## What's the best fit for you?

There is no right or wrong. It's all about what matters to you. Do you want freedom and variety? Or are you looking for tranquility and the chance to develop yourself?

- Temporary employment is ideal for those who want to get started quickly without any fixed obligations. Secondment is perfect for those who are looking for more security and want to invest in their future.

 

## Ready for the next step?

The difference between temping and secondment may seem small, but it has a big impact on your work experience. Think carefully about what you need in your job: security, growth or flexibility?

 

Not sure yet or need advice? [Contact](https://metacarriere.nl/en/contact) Meta Career.

 

We think with you, listen to your wishes and help you find a job that really suits you. Take that step towards a job with a future today.

 

[![Book an online appointment](https://hubspot-no-cache-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/145315519/interactive-240183990477.png) ](https://metacarriere.nl/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLJNk4jINOYFf%2BOHuuFLtb%2F12qtWl4bEcUlpVaCFiZ2i%2B7ohX9v%2Fdc%2BqdHp5MXpTAKkPcNFlUw9Vd3MTWzdQu9BjW2btRbSfsVyDBE7wRPqJzms9hEkQCyAoDB%2FFnr4NRKsDvaHolDvcmvTCrBA6N6dF4Bh9w1M7MHLwuEBY8usCOp2WS77A%2Fdy6LtHa%2FGLLpn%2B1HbDwmeKMeagwpXSxeMCFBzDMGmeNk1Ovl8%2Fm&webInteractiveContentId=240183990477&portalId=145315519)

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