What is a temporary worker? Everything you need to know about working through an employment agency

Date: 13 March 2026

Genre: News item

Reading time: 5 min.

Are you looking for work in the Netherlands and come across the term temporary worker? If so, you perhaps wondering what exactly it means. Working as a temp is a low-threshold way to get started quickly, gain experience and discover what suits you. In this article we explain what a temporary worker is, what the benefits are and what you can expect when you start working through Want 2 Work.

What is a temporary worker?

A temporary worker is someone who works for another company through an employment agency. In your case
means: you work through Want 2 Work, but you perform your work at one of our
clients. We take care of your contract, salary and administration. The client takes care of
for your daily work and on-the-job guidance.
So you actually have two contacts: one at the company where you work, and one at Want 2
Work. The latter is always there for you if you have questions or need help.

How exactly does broadcasting work?

Working as a temporary worker usually goes as follows:

  1. You sign up to Want 2 Work
    You indicate what you can do, what you are looking for and when you are available.
  2. We look for work that suits you
    Based on your needs and experience, we will look for a suitable job.
  3. You will be working for a client
    You get a contract from Want 2 Work, but work on site at another company.
  4. We arrange everything behind the scenes
    From salary payment to payslip, holidays and insurance: we make sure that
    everything is well organised.

The benefits of working as a temp

Working through an employment agency like Want 2 Work has many advantages, especially if you want flexibility
are or are just starting out in the Dutch labour market.

  1. Getting started quickly
    You can often start within a few days or weeks. So you don't have to wait long
    at work.
  2. Flexibility
    You can choose temporary work, part-time work or just full-time work. You decide what suits you
    fits.
  3. No worries about administration
    We take care of your contract, salary payment, holiday pay, pension accrual and other
    things you may not have experience of yourself.
  4. Guidance and support
    At Want 2 Work, you are not alone. We help you with practical matters such as a
    health insurance, registering with the municipality or applying for wage tax credits.

What is the difference between a temporary worker and a permanent worker?

The biggest difference is in flexibility and the type of contract. A permanent employee has a
contract directly with the company where he or she works. A temporary worker works with a flexible
contract through the employment agency. That does not mean you are less important. On the contrary:
companies often need temporary workers precisely to strengthen their team quickly.

Many temporary workers eventually even get a permanent contract with the company where they started
are. So working through Want 2 Work can also be a stepping stone to permanent employment.

Who is working as a temporary worker suitable for?

Temporary work is suitable for many different people:

  • International workers who want to get to work quickly in the Netherlands
  • People just leaving school or looking to gain their first work experience
  • Workers looking to switch industries
  • Jobseekers seeking temporary or flexible work

At Want 2 Work, we don't just look at your CV, but above all at your motivation and commitment.

Would you also like to work as a temporary worker?

Working as a temporary worker through Want 2 Work is a smart way to get started quickly in
Netherlands, gain experience and develop yourself. Curious about the opportunities?
Then take a quick look at our vacancies on the website!

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