One of the shifts we’ve seen in the Great Recession has been the growth of temporary and contract positions rather than full-time jobs. A recent study from staffing firm Randstad finds two-thirds of companies are using such contingent workers. Many plan to keep doing so.

Brandon Smith helps us understand why this temporary, get-through-the-recession tactic is becoming the new normal. And of course he weighs the good and bad for us and for our companies.

Brandon Smith teaches about leadership, communication, and workplace culture at Emory University's Goizueta Business School. More of his advice is on his blog and at theworkplacetherapist.com. While you’re there, ask him your workplace or career question. We might use your question on a future radio segment.

Tags: workforce, temporary workers, contractor, career counseling, Brandon Smith, workplace, working, career, Randstad