A Bridge Between Generations in the Job Market
In a constantly evolving job market, where agility and adaptability are increasingly valued, companies face the challenge of integrating professionals with different profiles.
In this context, temporary work emerges as a modern, flexible, and inclusive solution — especially for young students and retired professionals who wish to remain active.
In this article, we explore five key benefits of temporary work for these two groups, highlighting the advantages not only for workers but also for companies and society as a whole.
The Main Benefits of Temporary Work for Students and Retirees
In this article, we explore five major advantages of temporary work for these two groups, highlighting the benefits not only for workers, but also for companies and society.
1. Flexibility for Every Stage of Life
Temporary work adapts to the rhythm of life — not the other way around. Whether for students starting their careers or retirees with years of experience, this employment model offers essential flexibility to ensure a healthy balance between work and personal life.
For students:
During school holidays or less demanding academic periods, temporary jobs offer the chance to:
- Gain real-world work experience;
- Increase financial independence;
- Develop essential soft skills such as responsibility, punctuality, and teamwork.
These competencies are highly valued by employers and can greatly ease the transition into the job market. You can read about 10 essential soft and hard skills here.
Additionally, the variety of roles available allows young people to explore different professional areas, supporting more informed career decisions.
For retirees:
For many retired professionals, temporary work is a way to stay active and socially connected, without the demands of a full-time position. Key benefits include:
- Freedom to choose when and how to work;
- Opportunities to share knowledge and experience with younger teams;
- Extra income without affecting their pension, as long as it complies with current legislation.
Temporary work agencies like Timing provide responsible, legally compliant support, ensuring transparent contracts, training when necessary, and smooth integration into teams.
2. First Work Experience and Internships for Students
During school holidays, many students see their free time as an opportunity for professional growth. Whether it’s to gain financial independence, enhance their CVs or get a first taste of the working world, temporary work can be a positive first step into active professional life.
Without the need for long-term employment contracts, students can experience their first contact with the job market, getting to know different tasks and departments within a company. This exposure helps them make more informed career decisions and supports their personal and professional development.
Trying out various roles also allows students to develop key soft skills, such as responsibility and teamwork, while improving their ability to adapt to different workplace environments.
The Role of Professional Internships
In addition to temporary jobs, another essential path for young people entering the labour market is through professional internships promoted by IEFP (the Portuguese Institute for Employment and Vocational Training).
These internships are mainly aimed at:
- Recent graduates (secondary, technical or higher education);
- Individuals looking for professional retraining;
- Strengthening the connection between academic knowledge and real-world practice.
Lasting between 6 and 9 months, IEFP internships provide financial support to the intern and co-funding to the host company, offering a structured and guided professional experience.
Whether through temporary jobs during school holidays or structured internships, students have access to valuable tools that allow them to explore the labour market safely, with proper guidance and guaranteed rights.
These opportunities go far beyond earning extra income — they are stepping stones toward the future for students and recent graduates.
3. Valuing the Experience of Retired Professionals
Reaching retirement age doesn’t have to mark the end of professional activity.
Many retirees remain active and motivated to keep contributing to society — whether to supplement their income or simply stay engaged.
Through temporary work, retired professionals can take on occasional roles, bringing their expertise to companies that value the technical and interpersonal skills acquired over a lifetime — all without compromising their pension rights.
Beyond the benefits to companies and individuals, this type of integration also encourages informal mentoring of younger colleagues, promoting valuable knowledge sharing across generations.
Is experience a mandatory requirement?
Depending on the job and the candidate’s profile, prior experience is not always necessary.
In seasonal roles — such as event support, hospitality, logistics or customer service — previous experience is often not a decisive factor. In these cases, companies value availability, responsibility, and the willingness to learn, and are frequently prepared to provide training to new team members.
At Timing, we focus on matching each candidate’s profile with the specific requirements of each role. We identify essential skills and assess qualifications carefully, ensuring a personalised and effective recruitment process that leads to successful integration.
Can retirees keep working and still receive their pension?
Yes, in many cases, retirees in Portugal can continue working while receiving their state pension.
The law allows for the accumulation of pension and employment income — whether from an employee position or self-employment — provided the pension was not granted due to absolute disability or early retirement under the flexible retirement regime.
For retirees who wish to stay active, this option can offer financial, social, and psychological benefits. By continuing to work and contribute to Social Security, pensioners may be entitled to an increase in their pension, calculated based on the new contributions. After the age of 70, employment contracts automatically convert into fixed-term contracts, renewable without limitation.
However, there are exceptions. Pensioners who took early retirement cannot earn work-related income from the same company or business group within the first three years of retirement. Accumulating income is also not allowed for those on absolute disability pensions.
At Timing, we ensure full legal compliance in every placement involving retired workers, offering transparent guidance and proper support. For more detailed information, you may consult the Portuguese Social Security portal, or reach out to organisations such as DECO Proteste or Doutor Finanças for personalised advice.
4. Efficient Response During Peak Demand Periods
During the summer months or times of high staff turnover, temporary work allows companies to quickly and efficiently reinforce their teams.
Sectors such as hospitality, logistics, retail, and events benefit significantly from this flexible model, which offers immediate solutions for:
- Production peaks;
- Last-minute replacements;
- Seasonal workforce needs.
Benefits for Companies
- Reduced costs associated with lengthy recruitment processes;
- Speed and agility in placing professionals who are well-suited to specific roles;
- Full compliance with legal obligations, managed by the temporary employment agency.
At Timing, we ensure that every temporary placement follows strict legal and operational standards, providing businesses with reliable support in periods of increased demand.
Discover more advantages of temporary work for companies.
Benefits for Temporary Workers
Contrary to common misconceptions, temporary contracts offer a robust set of legal protections and rights, ensuring fair and dignified working conditions:
- Fair remuneration
- Meal, holiday, and Christmas allowances
- Social Security contributions
- Work accident insurance
- Maternity and paternity protection
Fair remuneration
Meal, holiday, and Christmas allowances
Social Security contributions
Work accident insurance
Maternity and paternity protection
These benefits ensure that temporary workers are treated with respect and equity, regardless of the duration of their contract.
For more detailed information, consult the ACT’s Temporary Work Information Guide, which brings together all current labour regulations on temporary work in Portugal.
5. Positive Social and Economic Impact
The integration of young people and senior citizens through temporary work brings significant value not only to individuals and businesses — but to society as a whole.
For society, this model:
- Reduces youth unemployment and helps prevent school dropout;
- Mitigates social isolation among retirees;
- Promotes inclusion and dignity, by valuing work across all stages of life;
- Stimulates the economy by increasing the purchasing power of younger and older age groups.
At Timing, we believe in the power of temporary work as a tool for social cohesion, inclusion, and economic development. It’s more than just a job — it’s a step toward a more resilient and inclusive future.
Flexibility, Inclusion and the Future of Work
Thanks to its flexibility and adaptability, temporary work has become a strategic tool for both the present and the future of the labour market.
For young people, it offers a secure opportunity to enter the workforce, explore different career paths, and develop key professional skills.
For retired professionals, it represents a dignified and autonomous way to continue contributing with their experience — without compromising their well-being or rights.
– Did this topic help you?
At Timing, we believe the true value of temporary work lies in its ability to bridge generations, promote inclusion, and respond swiftly and effectively to the challenges of an ever-changing job market.
If you’re looking for flexible recruitment solutions or seeking a professional opportunity that fits your life, talk to us.
We’re here to support talent — at every stage of life.
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