Are you wondering how to keep your temporary workforce motivated when new taxes are putting pressure on your operational budget? Are you stuck between the need to control costs and the desire to maintain a strong, trusting relationship with your temporary staff? In a volatile economic climate, the ability to negotiate fairly and empathetically becomes essential to business stability. Salary negotiation in times like these isn’t just about numbers — it’s about relationships, empathy, and strategy. And you’re the one who sets the tone. Here's why your approach matters more than ever, and how to navigate these salary discussions effectively.
Why Your Approach Matters Now More Than Ever
Recent tax changes — such as Romania’s VAT increase from 19% to 21% in 2025 — will have a direct impact on your company’s day-to-day operations. According to a 2024 Eurofound report, temporary workers are among the most vulnerable during times of economic instability — yet they remain essential to maintaining operational flow.
In short: You can’t run without temporary workers, but you also can’t afford to pay them more without a solid strategy.
How to Approach Salary Negotiations the Right Way
Let’s say a temporary worker asks for a 10% raise. Realistically, you may only be able to offer 3–5% unless you cut costs elsewhere. So how do you turn this tense situation into a productive conversation?
Ask the Right Questions Before Giving a Straight Answer
Instead of immediately saying, "We can’t afford it," try asking:
“What challenges are you currently facing?”
“What would a fair compromise look like to you?”
Only by truly understanding the worker’s personal context can you negotiate with empathy and impact. According to Harvard Business Review (2023), employees who feel heard are three times more likely to accept a middle-ground solution.
Break down the numbers. Explain how a 2–3% increase in VAT affects your monthly operational costs — and ultimately your payroll budget. Transparency isn't a sign of weakness; it builds trust.
Break down the numbers. Explain how a 2–3% increase in VAT affects your monthly operational costs — and ultimately your payroll budget. Transparency isn't a sign of weakness; it builds trust.
Offer Real-Value Alternative Benefits
If a salary increase isn’t sustainable, think of other benefits that are cost-effective but meaningful:
Higher-value meal vouchers
Transportation reimbursements
Performance-based monthly bonuses
Flexible work hours or personalized shifts
Skills training or certification courses
A 2024 McKinsey study found that employees who receive tailored, non-salary benefits are 27% more loyal than those with fixed pay alone.
Set Short-Term Agreements
One practical approach is to offer temporary solutions: “Let’s tie a bonus to your performance over the next few months, and revisit the salary discussion in six months based on how things evolve.”
This approach reduces anxiety and promotes a sense of partnership, not rigid hierarchy.
Don’t Handle Salary Talks Alone — Work with a Specialized Partner
When tensions rise and your focus is already spread across core business tasks, outsourcing salary discussions to a specialized staffing partner can make all the difference.
Why Partner with Smartemp?
Smartemp, with over 13 years of experience in personnel leasing, is your strategic ally in managing temporary workforce needs — especially during economically challenging times. We support over 54 companies and manage more than 2,200 employees each month.
By partnering with Smartemp, you’ll benefit from:
- Fast, tailored recruitment – Access qualified, vetted workers ready to start immediately
- Full administrative support – From payroll and time tracking to documentation and reporting, all automated and transparent
- Expert salary negotiation and HR consulting – Our specialists handle direct communications with employees professionally and clearly
- Contractual flexibility – Hire according to demand, without red tape
- Optimized fiscal costs – Smartemp provides legal, efficient solutions to help you navigate the VAT increase
It’s easy to say “We don’t have the budget.” It’s harder — and far more valuable — to say “Let’s find a solution together.” Temporary workers aren’t just a stopgap solution. In reality, they can become pillars of your business, especially in uncertain times.
Choose to offer more than a paycheck. Offer trust, stability, and respect. And if you need a partner to help you do just that, Smartemp is here to support you.
Sources:
Eurofound (2024). Labour Market Developments in Times of Economic Turbulence.
Harvard Business Review (2023). How to Communicate Difficult News to Your Team.
McKinsey & Company (2024). Resilient Workforce Strategies During Economic Downturns.
Read also:
https://smartemp.ro/2025/06/16/smartemp-costuri-prin-leasingul-de-personal/