What does a temp agency really cost you?
A temp agency does not invoice per vacancy, it takes a margin on every hour worked. That keeps the cost invisible until you calculate it. Below we put both models side by side, with your own figures.
Your first hire is currently free. After that, 149 euro per 4 weeks per vacancy.
Two models, two very different bills
With a temp agency you pay the gross wage multiplied by a coefficient. That coefficient covers social contributions, administration and the agency's margin, and in the Belgian market it typically sits somewhere between roughly 1.7 and 2.1 depending on sector and profile. For as long as someone works for you, that margin keeps running. When you hire directly you pay the wage and contributions you would pay anyway, plus a fixed vacancy cost that stops when your vacancy stops.
The two models side by side
| The two models side by side | Through a temp agency | Directly through Werkvolk |
|---|---|---|
| What you pay | Gross wage times a coefficient, on every hour worked | 149 euro per 4 weeks per vacancy, plus the wage you pay yourself |
| When it stops | Only when the worker leaves or is taken over | When your vacancy stops, with a minimum of 12 weeks |
| Commission on the salary | Yes, built into the coefficient | None |
| Who is the employer | The temp agency | You, on your own contract and terms |
| Takeover afterwards | Often a separate takeover fee | Not applicable, the candidate joins you straight away |
| Pre-screening | By the agency, criteria often not visible | On skills, travel time, personality and culture fit, visible per match |
| Reach included | Depends on the agency | VDAB, Google Jobs, the app, our advertising traffic and our partner schools |
The coefficients above are indicative market figures, not the rate of any specific agency. Always ask your own supplier for their exact coefficient.
Run the numbers with your own figures
Enter how many people you are looking for, what a hire costs you today and how long your vacancies stay open.
Do the maths
Calculate what you save
Enter what you pay today to hire someone. We put the cost of Werkvolk next to it.
In weeks. We calculate with a minimum of 12 weeks per vacancy.
You save
€14,106
per year, compared to your current approach
Post a vacancy for freeYour first hire is free and nothing ties you down.
How we calculate
| Your current approach 3 hires × €5,000 | €15,000 |
|---|---|
| Werkvolk 3 vacancies × 3 periods of 4 weeks × €149 | €1,341 |
| Your first hire free Temporary offer, 3 periods of 4 weeks | −€447 |
| You save | €14,106 |
An indication based on what you enter yourself. All amounts exclude VAT. We calculate conservatively: the free first hire counts for one vacancy here, while in practice you can post as many as you like.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Find an answer quickly
Is Werkvolk a temp agency?
No. We employ nobody and take no margin on the hourly rate. Werkvolk is the sourcing and pre-screening layer: we handle the inflow and the pre-screening, you hire directly.
What exactly is a coefficient?
The factor a temp agency multiplies the gross wage by to produce your invoice. It covers social contributions, administration and the agency's margin. The higher the coefficient, the more you pay per hour worked on top of the wage.
When is a temp agency still the better choice?
For short peaks, seasonal work or cover of a few weeks a temp agency is often more practical, because you take nobody onto your payroll. If you are looking for someone long term the margin stacks up and hiring directly is usually cheaper.
Is there a notice period on my vacancy?
An activated vacancy runs for a minimum of 12 weeks. After that you can stop every 4 weeks.
What does a temp agency really cost you?
Your first hire is currently free. After that, 149 euro per 4 weeks per vacancy.