Temporary workers aren’t just looking for side gigs anymore—they’re expecting the same seamless digital experience, stability, and trust that full-time employees demand. That’s the headline from TrueBlue’s new 2025 Temporary Workforce Report, which surveyed more than 8,000 temp workers across the U.S. through its staffing brand PeopleReady.
The findings challenge old assumptions about temp labor and send a clear message to employers in today’s competitive labor market: If you want to attract and retain top talent, you need more than a paycheck.
Mobile-first or bust
Forget the stereotype that only Gen Z wants apps. According to the survey, more than 80% of workers—yes, even 85% of Baby Boomers—say they want to find work via their phones. Eight in ten respondents specifically want their staffing agency to have a mobile app, like PeopleReady’s JobStack.
And while younger workers might be seen as the ones clamoring for instant gratification, it’s actually Boomers who lead the pack in valuing fast pay, with 90% rating it as a top priority.
“Mobile isn’t a trend—it’s the new standard,” said Taryn Owen, President and CEO of TrueBlue.
Flexibility with a backbone of stability
Temporary work has often been framed as “extra cash,” but that narrative is changing. The report found that for three out of four generations, temporary work is their primary source of income.
Gen Z may love variety, but 65% actually prefer multiple shifts at the same jobsite, signaling a desire for consistency. Meanwhile, one in four workers overall cited flexibility in schedule, location, or job type as a leading reason for taking on temporary jobs.
In short: temp workers want choices, but they also want predictability.
Trust and human connection still matter
For all the talk of digital platforms, human relationships remain critical. Nearly 90% of workers across generations say trust in their employer is essential, while 80% value staffing firms that still maintain a physical branch. Gen X, often overlooked in these conversations, stood out: 89% say quick and effective support is key when searching for jobs.
Kristy Willis, President of PeopleReady, underscored the point: “This report challenges common stereotypes about temporary work: today’s workers aren’t just seeking side income, and mobile access isn’t only a priority for younger generations.”
Why this matters for employers
The report is a wake-up call for businesses relying on temporary staffing to plug labor gaps. With labor shortages still pressuring industries from logistics to hospitality, the fight for talent is real. Employers that cling to outdated processes—slow pay cycles, limited digital access, impersonal recruiting—risk losing workers to competitors offering a more modern, flexible, and trustworthy experience.
TrueBlue, through PeopleReady’s nationwide branch network and its JobStack app, is positioning itself as the bridge between these expectations and employer needs. The message is clear: the next evolution of staffing is tech-enabled, human-centered, and built for a workforce that values both autonomy and stability.
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