What Spherion does and who it serves

Spherion is a staffing agency that matches workers with temporary and permanent jobs across multiple industries. The company operates hundreds of branch offices in the United States and places people in roles ranging from administrative and clerical work to light industrial, skilled trades, and professional positions. Spherion does not post jobs on a public board the way job sites do — instead, you register with a local branch, and a recruiter there works to match you with openings their clients have.

The agency makes money when a client company hires someone Spherion sends them. For temporary assignments, Spherion is the official employer on your paycheck, meaning they handle your taxes, workers' compensation, and benefits may be able to access. For permanent placements, the client company becomes your employer after a trial period.

Key Takeaways

  • Spherion operates as your employer during temporary assignments and handles payroll, taxes, and workers' compensation insurance.
  • You register at a local Spherion branch office in person or online, and a recruiter matches you with jobs based on your skills and availability.
  • Temporary assignments can last from days to months, and some lead to permanent positions with the client company.
  • Pay rates vary by job type, location, and your experience, and Spherion takes a percentage as their fee before you receive your paycheck.
  • Spherion offers some temporary workers access to health insurance and retirement benefits, though coverage depends on hours worked and assignment length.

How to register and get matched with jobs

To work with Spherion, you first contact a branch office near you. You can find branch locations on their website by entering your city or zip code. Some branches allow you to start the registration process online, but most require at least one in-person visit to verify your identity, discuss your work history, and take any required skills tests.

At registration, bring a government-issued ID, Social Security card, and proof of address. If you have worked before, bring information about your previous employers and the dates you worked there. The recruiter will ask about the types of jobs you want, your availability (full-time, part-time, shift work), and any certifications or licenses you hold. They may also run a background check, which varies by the types of jobs you are seeking.

Once registered, the recruiter contacts you when an opening matches your profile. You can accept or decline each assignment. If you accept, Spherion tells you the job location, the pay rate, the start date, and what to bring on your first day. You are responsible for getting to the job site on time.

Pay, taxes, and how Spherion takes its cut

Spherion pays you for the hours you work, but the amount you receive is less than what the client company pays Spherion. Spherion's fee — typically 20 to 40 percent of the billing rate, though this varies — comes out before your paycheck. For example, if a client pays Spherion $20 per hour for your work, you might receive $12 to $16 per hour depending on the job type and your experience.

You receive a regular paycheck on a set schedule, usually weekly or biweekly. Spherion withholds federal and state income tax, Social Security, and Medicare from your pay, just as any employer would. If you work multiple assignments in a year, Spherion reports all earnings on a single Form W-2 at tax time. You are not a contractor — you are a Spherion employee during each assignment.

Pay rates differ significantly by job category and location. Administrative roles in major cities typically pay more than the same role in rural areas. Skilled trades and professional positions pay more than general labor. Your own experience and how quickly you complete work also affect whether you get called back for future assignments.

Temporary assignments versus permanent placement

Most Spherion work is temporary — assignments last anywhere from one day to several months. Temporary work suits people who need flexible schedules, want to try different jobs before committing, or are between permanent roles. You remain a Spherion employee throughout the assignment, and when the job ends, you return to the pool of available workers.

Some temporary assignments convert to permanent positions. If a client company wants to hire you permanently, they typically do so after a trial period of 30 to 90 days. Once you accept a permanent position, you become that company's employee, not Spherion's. Your pay, benefits, and job terms are now between you and that employer. Spherion receives a one-time placement fee from the company, but you no longer work through the agency.

Spherion also handles direct-hire placements, where they recruit and screen candidates specifically for permanent roles. These placements follow the same registration process, but the recruiter is looking for a longer-term fit from the start.

Benefits and protections for temporary workers

As a Spherion employee during temporary assignments, you are covered by workers' compensation insurance if you are injured on the job. This coverage is automatic and paid by Spherion — you do not pay for it. If you are hurt, report the injury to your supervisor and to Spherion when ready, and follow your state's workers' compensation process.

Health insurance and retirement benefits depend on how many hours you work and how long your assignments last. Spherion offers health insurance to some temporary workers, but you typically must work a minimum number of hours per week for a certain number of weeks to become may be able to access. The specifics vary by state and by Spherion's current plan offerings. Ask your recruiter what benefits you may be able to access based on your expected work schedule.

You have the right to decline assignments without penalty, though accepting work regularly makes it more likely the recruiter will call you for future jobs. You also have the right to report unsafe working conditions or wage violations to your state's labor department or to the federal Department of Labor.

What to expect on your first day and after

On your first day at a job site, arrive early and bring the documents Spherion told you to bring — usually a photo ID and proof of work authorization. Your supervisor at the client company will show you where to work, what the job involves, and any safety rules. You may also need to complete paperwork for the client company, such as an I-9 form to verify you are authorized to work in the United States.

Your performance on the job affects whether you get called back. If you show up on time, work safely, and complete tasks as directed, the client company is more likely to request you for future assignments or to offer you a permanent position. If you are frequently late, miss days, or do not meet expectations, you may not be called back, and your recruiter may have fewer options for you in the future.

After each assignment ends, contact your recruiter to let them know you are available for the next job. The more actively you stay in touch, the more assignments you are likely to receive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work for Spherion part-time while keeping another job?

Yes. Many Spherion workers take assignments around other work or school schedules. Tell your recruiter about your availability — whether you can work evenings, weekends, or only certain days — and they will match you with jobs that fit. Be clear about any scheduling conflicts so there are no surprises.

What happens if I am injured on a Spherion assignment?

Report the injury to your supervisor and to Spherion right away. You are covered by workers' compensation insurance, which pays for medical treatment and a portion of lost wages if you cannot work. The process and benefits vary by state, but Spherion handles the insurance claim on your behalf.

Do I have to accept every job Spherion offers me?

No. You can decline assignments without losing your registration or future opportunities. However, accepting work regularly shows your recruiter you are reliable, which makes them more likely to call you for good assignments. Declining most offers may result in fewer calls over time.

How long does it take to get my first assignment after registering?

This varies. If you register during a busy hiring period and your skills match current openings, you might get a call within days. During slower periods, it may take weeks. Your availability and flexibility affect how quickly you are matched — workers who can start when ready and work flexible hours typically get called sooner.

What if a client company wants to hire me permanently?

The company will make you an offer, usually after a trial period of 30 to 90 days. You become that company's employee, and Spherion's role ends. Your new employer sets your pay, benefits, and job terms. Spherion receives a placement fee from the company, but you no longer work through the agency.