In 2025, temporary and contract roles are taking centre stage in the job market, particularly in South Australia’s property industry. 

With economic uncertainty, rising business costs, and shifting workforce expectations, more organisations are turning to flexible staffing models—and more job seekers are seeing the benefits of temp work.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, job vacancies across South Australia decreased by 8% in early 2025 compared to the previous year, but demand for short-term roles in industries like property, administration, and construction is on the rise. Businesses are finding themselves in need of staff who can hit the ground running—without the long-term commitment. Meanwhile, workers are seeking flexibility, career variety, and faster hiring processes, all of which temp and contract work provide.

This shift reflects a broader workplace evolution. As many organisations continue to navigate cost pressures, delayed decision-making, and restructuring, they’re using temp staff to remain agile and maintain productivity. 

At the same time, workers are choosing temp roles to gain experience, explore new industries, and maintain work-life balance. The result? A booming market for temporary and contract talent that benefits both employers and job seekers.

Insights from The Property Edge: Why Flexibility Matters

During a recent episode of The Property Edge, Peta Seaman, Managing Director of Edge Recruitment, was joined by Senior Recruitment Consultant Taryn Widdows to unpack the value of temp and contract work in today’s property market. Their conversation highlighted the strategic advantages of this hiring model—and why both businesses and professionals should be paying closer attention.

“Whether you're a business looking to adapt or someone thinking about temp work yourself, there's a lot to unpack,” Peta opened. “From a business standpoint, bringing on temp staff can help you navigate seasonal peaks, cover long-term absences or kick off new projects that need immediate support.”

Taryn agreed, pointing to the changing mindset among employers. “When businesses aren't sure what the next few months will look like, committing to a permanent hire can feel risky,” she said. “Temp staff offer a flexible solution. They can be brought in quickly, often within a day, and they help fill gaps without the long-term financial commitment.”

For employers, this means the ability to respond to change quickly, reduce hiring costs, and keep operations running smoothly. Taryn noted that temp workers are often used for backfilling roles during recruitment, covering for staff on extended leave, or managing project-based workloads that need urgent support.

Peta also highlighted the fast pace of hiring as a key advantage. “The hiring process is typically much faster,” he said, “meaning you could start work earning right away.”

But it’s not just about business benefits. For job seekers, temp and contract roles present a range of opportunities to build careers. “There’s so much value in temp and contract work, which often gets overlooked,” Taryn said. “It’s a great way to build your skillset, get exposed to new systems, broaden your experience across industries and grow your professional network.”

This exposure, Taryn explained, can often lead to permanent positions as employers get to know and trust a temp worker’s capabilities. The roles also appeal to those looking for greater flexibility or a better work-life balance—something many candidates are now prioritising more than ever.

Making the Most of Temp and Contract Roles in 2025

If you're considering a temp or contract role—or thinking about hiring one—here are a few key takeaways to keep in mind:

1. For employers:
   
   

• Be proactive, not reactive. Consider temp and contract options early when planning workforce needs, especially for seasonal peaks or upcoming projects.
  
  
• Speed is key. The biggest benefit of temp hiring is its agility. Having a reliable recruiter who understands your business needs can help get someone on board quickly.
  
  
• Use temps strategically. Whether it’s backfilling, supporting long-term leave, or trialling a new role, temporary staff can be a powerful tool to test ideas without long-term commitment.
  
  

   2.  For job seekers:

• Think of temp work as career growth. Every temp role can add to your experience, broaden your skillset, and strengthen your CV. It's also a chance to try new industries or roles.
  
  
• Be flexible and open-minded. The more open you are to different opportunities, the more likely you are to find a role quickly—and possibly land a permanent opportunity.
  
  
• Build relationships. Treat temp work as an extended interview. Be professional, reliable, and proactive—you never know what permanent opportunity it might lead to.

In 2025, the property industry in South Australia—and beyond—is being shaped by flexibility, fast decision-making, and the desire for agility on both sides of the hiring equation. 

As Peta summed it up, “Temporary and contract roles are fast becoming the smarter career move.” Whether you're looking to hire or be hired, now is the time to embrace the opportunities they bring.