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Temp-to-hire: watch them work before you commit.
Temp-to-hire through Valden lets you evaluate a worker performing the actual job — on Valden's payroll and insurance — before extending a permanent offer. Conversion fees step down the longer the worker has been on assignment with you, eventually reaching zero. It's the lowest-risk way to make a permanent hire.
Last updated: July 2, 2026
When temp-to-hire is the right fit
Use this model when…
- Uncertain long-term needFill the seat now; decide on permanence after you've seen real output
- High cost-of-bad-hire rolesEvaluate reliability, culture fit, and skill on the job instead of in an interview
- Budget timingKeep the worker on Valden's payroll until your headcount opens, then convert
Compare models
How this fits alongside our other services.
| Model | Best for | How you pay | Who employs the worker |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary | Shift coverage, surges, backfills | Hourly bill rate, only for hours worked | Valden (W-2) |
| Temp-to-hire | Evaluating before a permanent offer | Hourly rate; conversion fee steps down to zero | Valden, then you |
| Direct hire | Permanent, business-critical seats | One-time placement fee, guarantee-backed | You, from day one |
Common questions
Frequently asked questions.
How does the temp-to-hire conversion fee work?
The conversion fee steps down on a schedule based on how long the worker has been on assignment with you. After the full schedule — typically several hundred worked hours — you can hire the worker with no conversion fee at all. The exact schedule is in your service agreement.
What happens if we decide not to hire the worker?
Nothing — that's the point of the model. The worker stays a Valden employee, we redeploy them to another assignment, and you owe nothing beyond hours already worked.
Do workers know an assignment is temp-to-hire?
Yes. We're upfront with workers about the potential for permanent hire, which attracts candidates who want to prove themselves into a long-term seat.
Ready to talk numbers?
One intake call gets you a realistic timeline and a firm rate. You owe nothing until the first hour is worked.