Secondment is staffing without the flexibility. Every FlexHero employee works on an indefinite-term contract with a fixed number of hours in accordance with the client company’s collective agreement, and is 100% available for your project — often for 6 to 24 months, sometimes longer. For managerial or specialist roles where continuity takes precedence over short-term flexibility.
When is this suitable?
- Specialist project (setting up a new production line)
- Deployment of a manager (team leader, production coordinator)
- Niche craftsman for whom the market is too small
- Temporary replacement (maternity leave, illness, sabbatical)
- You want continuity without being the employer yourself
- International specialist (language/cultural bridge required)
How does this differ from staffing?
| Staffing companies | Secondment | |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 1 week – 12 months | 6–24 months |
| Contract with FlexHero | Indefinite term | Indefinite term |
| Rate | Per hour | Fixed monthly amount |
| Termination | Short notice period | 3 months’ notice |
| Job level | Operational | Specialist / managerial |
Rate: fixed monthly amount.
Unlike secondment, we work with a fixed monthly rate for secondment: 4–5 weeks’ pay × 2.2 conversion factor + holiday allowance + craftsman allowances, spread over 12 months. Clear and predictable for your budget.
The craftsman receives more.
Secondment offers the craftsman greater security: a permanent contract, a continuous salary even between assignments, and uninterrupted holiday and pension accrual. As a result, we attract stronger candidates for this arrangement than for traditional temporary work.
Frequently asked questions.
What if the project ends early?
Three-month notice period. In the meantime, we will place the craftsman with other clients as much as possible — if we succeed, you pay on a pro-rata basis. Otherwise: continued payment until the notice period expires.
Can I take the craftsman on under my own contract?
Yes, after 12 months with no transfer fee. Before that: a decreasing fee (to be discussed at the initial meeting).
Do you also provide secondment services for IT/office roles?
No — our focus is on operational and technical roles (production, engineering, logistics). For IT and office roles, we refer clients to specialist secondment agencies.
What is a typical rate for a seconded mechatronics technician?
Indicative: €7,500–9,000 fixed monthly fee for a mechatronics technician with VOL-VCA and PLC experience. Exact amount to be quoted based on profile and assignment.
We would like a specialist who also works for other clients — is that possible?
That would then be freelance/self-employed secondment — please ask specifically for this arrangement, otherwise the seconded employee is 100% dedicated to a single client company.
Are you looking for a permanent specialist for a project?
We’ll discuss in 30 minutes whether secondment is suitable — otherwise we’ll recommend a different model.
