Recent Survey Reveals Temp Workers Value Time Off and Career Support More than Ever

Insights from the Latest Temp Worker Survey

In a recent survey conducted by Will Group, a prominent human resources service provider, insights into the mindset of temp workers across Japan have been unveiled. Over 2,500 temp employees aged 20 and above provided their perspectives, focusing on job selection criteria and career aspirations. The survey was carried out from March 10 to March 23, 2025, marking the third installment in this research series, highlighting some significant trends in the temporary work landscape.

Key Findings

Reasons for Selecting Temporary Employment

Interestingly, only 8.7% of respondents cited the inability to secure a permanent position as their reason for choosing temporary employment, a decrease of 1.8% from the previous survey. The primary motivation (44.5%) for opting for temp work was the higher hourly wages, followed by the immediacy of securing a job (35.8%) and the flexibility to tailor their work schedule to fit their lifestyle (34.3%). A closer inspection revealed that older workers valued higher wages most, whereas younger workers focused on immediate job acquisition.

Importance of Time Off in Job Selection

When it came to job selection criteria, 68.5% ranked the ability to take days off easily as their top priority, a notable increase of 6.6% from the last survey. Following that was the comfort of the work environment at 57.1%, which also saw a slight increase. Additionally, 24.6% of respondents emphasized the importance of personal growth and skill enhancement, particularly among younger workers, who seem increasingly focused on future career development.

Future Employment Preferences

Regarding their career paths, 42.5% expressed a desire to maintain their current working arrangement, a figure that has remained relatively stable. Surprisingly, the inclination to explore different industries or roles has decreased. Data indicates that satisfaction with current work arrangements increases with age, while younger generations display a heightened desire to utilize their skills for career advancement.

Desire for Growth Support Services

Moreover, 37.6% of temp workers showed a willingness to engage in qualification acquisition programs; this interest is particularly high among workers in their 40s. Learning avenues such as e-learning (30.5%) and personality assessments (30.5%) have also garnered attention, with e-learning gaining traction compared to previous surveys.

Conclusion

The current survey underscores the evolving attitudes of temp workers towards their careers and work-life balance. The decrease in the perception of temp work as a fallback option, coupled with an increased emphasis on flexible time off and skill advancement, suggests a more positive outlook on temporary employment. Moving forward, Will Group plans to enhance its support for temp workers by offering career counseling services facilitated by qualified career consultants; this initiative aims to empower temp workers to navigate their career paths positively.