Busting the myths about temporary work!

Temporary work contracts have long suffered (and sometimes still suffer) from a negative image: job insecurity, strenuousness, lack of recognition. Yet French companies are increasingly seeking this type of employment contract. Furthermore, employment agencies actively recruit varied profiles in equally varied fields, as temporary work is not limited to the industrial and construction sectors, contrary to popular belief. So if you are looking for a job, it is worth looking just as much at temporary employment agencies (ETT) as at permanent contracts (CDI). To change your perspective on temporary work, we are debunking the 4 most common clichés about temporary employment.

Myth #1: Temporary work = job insecurity

A temporary worker is an employee of the temporary employment agency (ETT) that places them with client companies for assignments. As such, they enjoy the same benefits as a "regular" employee:

• health and maternity insurance;
• health coverage;
• social security coverage;
• access to professional training.

In addition, temporary workers can apply for assistance to make daily life easier, thanks to FASTT (housing, mobility, health, family).

During an assignment, temporary workers also benefit from the perks set up by the client company for its permanent (CDI) employees, whether financial bonuses (performance bonus, for example) or perks in kind (restaurant vouchers, locker rooms, or daycare, for example).

Finally, it should be noted that for an equivalent position, a temporary worker's total compensation is increased by end-of-assignment allowances (IFM) and paid leave allowances (ICCP).

Myth #2: By doing temporary work, I risk missing out on a permanent contract (CDI)

On the contrary, temporary work boosts your employability! It is an excellent gateway into the job market and a chance to prove yourself, especially for young people or candidates with little experience.

Furthermore, when a client company hires for a permanent contract (CDI), it is easier for them to choose a candidate they already know. In fact, according to France Travail data cited by Prism'emploi (2025), temporary workers are nearly four times less likely to face unemployment after an assignment than fixed-term (CDD) employees.

Being registered (and active) with an employment agency also opens the door to securing a permanent temporary contract (CDI intérimaire). This form of employment, introduced in 2014, currently accounts for about 6% of employment agency staff (Prism'emploi, 2026). Paid between assignments, employees on a CDI intérimaire enjoy both the flexibility of temporary work and job security.

Myth #3: Temporary work is only for construction and manufacturing jobs

False! While manufacturing and construction remain the main users of temporary work, the services sector (retail, transport, services) accounts for a growing share of temporary employment. Furthermore, open positions cater to all profiles: from unskilled workers to executives. From production operators to accountants, welders, or specialized engineers, every profession can be found in temporary work!

Myth #4: Temporary work is always a last resort

Far from the stereotype that temporary work is always suffered, temporary work is increasingly a deliberate choice. Indeed, it offers many advantages for anyone looking to boost their employability, expand their network and skills, break out of routine...

Temporary work not only provides a springboard into employment for recent graduates, but it also allows seniors to sustain their professional activity, and career-changers to train or explore a new field. Finally, some choose temporary work to pursue personal projects or start a business alongside it.

Convinced by temporary contracts? Boost your career by registering today on the Actual website!