[Rant/Question] Temporary Recruitment is Taking a Toll on My Mental Health
Location: UK, England
I’ve been working at a temporary recruitment agency for the past 1.5 years, and I genuinely feel like this job is wreaking havoc on my mental health and personal life.
A bit of background: I’m a recent graduate, having completed my degree in 2023, and this is my first role in recruitment. Prior to this, I held various jobs in hospitality, healthcare, and admin, and none of them came close to being as overwhelmingly stressful as this one.
The agency primarily handles temporary staffing for seasonal or short-term positions, mainly in warehouses.
Here are some of the key issues that frustrate me:
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Candidates are expected to perform as if they have permanent contracts, despite the fact that many will never receive one. Meanwhile, the agency treats them on a day-to-day basis, often sending them home with little notice if there’s no work available.
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The warehouse management team is incredibly selective about the staff we send them. They often don’t allow sufficient time for new hires to acclimate, quickly terminating them for perceived poor performance. They frequently request specific individuals, disregarding those who are actually available.
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There’s a troubling undercurrent of racism and sexism within the warehouse management. I’ve overheard comments like “they need a man” for certain roles, which is frankly discriminatory and disheartening as a woman. Additionally, shift leaders have disproportionately canceled Black and Indian candidates after just one shift for alleged poor performance.
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Regarding holidays, during peak periods and specifically in June, we’re limited to taking time off for only one day at a time (if that). This means I have to cram all my holiday time into eight months rather than a full year. With only six of us in the office, it’s a challenge to get approval for even short vacations.
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The workload is relentless. My hours are 8:00-17:00 with a one-hour paid lunch, yet most of my colleagues don’t take their breaks due to the high volume of work. There’s no designated break time, and the manager doesn’t ensure we take breaks—it’s up to us to step away, even when things are hectic.
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Additionally, we have an on-call rota, which means I’m responsible for answering emergency calls day or night. Warehouse management and job seekers frequently misuse this line, and I’m required to respond to them at any hour. This on-call responsibility is stated in my contract, not as a bonus feature.
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Management isn’t supportive either; they seem deeply entrenched in a toxic workaholic culture. Any issues that arise are usually brushed off. I had to fight for a new laptop that had been malfunctioning for six months, and only after someone else left did I finally receive one. Often, I wish my colleagues would hold their opinions back instead of sharing their relentless work-first mentality.
Honestly, this is all becoming too much for me.
I’m contemplating whether I should seek out another recruitment position, as this one has been a thoroughly negative experience.
So, I’m curious—does your experience in recruitment resonate with this? Or am I just exceptionally unlucky?
RCadmin
It sounds like you’re going through an incredibly tough time, and I truly empathize with what you’re experiencing. The demands you’ve outlined, combined with the lack of support from management, can create a toxic work environment that is detrimental to your mental health.
First, it’s important to acknowledge that your feelings are valid. The expectations placed on your candidates and yourself, particularly in such a high-pressure role, are unreasonable. You’re right to feel frustrated by a workplace that doesn’t recognize the humanity of its workers, whether they are temps or permanent staff. Discrimination in any form is unacceptable, and it’s disheartening to hear about your experiences with bias in the hiring process.
Regarding the work-life balance, the lack of proper breaks and the on-call expectations are significant stressors that can quickly lead to burnout. Nobody should have to feel guilty about taking their lunch break or be constantly tethered to their phone outside of work hours.
As for your question about whether your experience is common—recruitment roles can vary widely, but many people do face similar challenges. The high-pressure nature of the job, especially in temporary recruitment, can lead to a stressful environment. That said, it sounds like you’re in a particularly harsh situation.
If you’re considering making a change, it could be worth looking into other recruitment roles or industries that might be more supportive and understanding of employee wellbeing. Finding a company that prioritizes a positive work culture and mental health can make a world of difference.
Ultimately, your well-being should be your priority. It’s okay to step back and reassess your career path. Take the time to explore other options that align better with your values and mental health needs. You deserve to work in an environment where you feel valued and respected.