Hiring for Maternity Leave Cover? Why HR Contract Roles are the Ideal Solution

When a valued member of your HR team heads off on maternity leave, finding the right person to step into your HR contract roles can feel like a bit of a balancing act. You want someone who can quickly get up to speed, support your people, and can handle the day-to-day HR requirements without dropping the ball. This is where HR Search can help! We work with amazing HR Contractors who aren’t just there as a stopgap but who can actually add real value in a short space of time.

Benefits of HR Contract roles for the employer:

Often, in HR contract roles, HR contractors will have worked across different industries, company sizes, and HR systems. They’re used to parachuting into new environments, figuring things out fast, and building credibility quickly. They’re comfortable navigating complex ER cases, and HR projects. They can offer support and coaching to senior leaders. When covering maternity leave, there isn’t time for a steep learning curve. A seasoned HR contractor can step in and keep everything running smoothly. Whether you need someone for six or twelve months plus, you can tailor the contract to suit your business needs and theirs. The terms are clear from the outset, and expectations are aligned. Both sides know the goal is to maintain business continuity and support the HR agenda.

We’re finding more and more that experienced HR candidates are leaning towards HR contract work. They love the variety it offers, and the chance to bring their knowledge and experience into new challenges. By offering maternity leave cover on a contract basis, you’re opening the door to a wide, highly skilled talent pool. It can be a great opportunity to bring in someone with a slightly different skill set who can implement a new initiative / project during their contract.

As a HR professional, covering maternity leave HR contract roles come with some brilliant perks:

• For one, you get to step into roles where you’re genuinely needed and valued
• You’ll be supporting teams and making a real impact right from day one
• HR contract roles often give you great exposure to the business, with the chance to take ownership of meaningful work, fast
• Maternity contracts tend to be clearly defined—usually 6 to 12 months—giving you the perfect balance between stability and variety. You can plan your year, build up experience across different industries or sectors, and still leave room to reset or take on something new. It’s a great way to broaden your HR experience.

How do you get the best out of your maternity leave cover:

To truly get the most out of your maternity leave cover, it’s important to think about how you attract and retain high-calibre HR contractors. While many seasoned professionals are drawn to contract work for its flexibility and variety, there are a few key factors that can make a contract role even more appealing and help ensure they stay for the full duration.

• Providing contractors with similar benefits to permanent employees such as access to wellness initiatives, employee assistance programmes, or even flexible working policies can go a long way in making them feel valued and supported. If certain benefits or bonuses aren’t available, consider offsetting that with a completion bonus. This not only incentivises contractors to stay the course but also shows appreciation for their contribution
• Transparency is everything. Clear communication around role expectations, reporting lines, and goals makes it easier for contractors to hit the ground running. When they know exactly what’s expected of them, they can focus on delivering results
• One of the biggest factors in retention? Inclusion. Treating your HR contractor like any other team member, inviting them to team meetings, off-sites and social events helps them feel a sense of belonging. When contractors feel embedded in the team, they’re more engaged, more committed, and more likely to go the extra mile.

Ultimately, when you invest a little in your HR contractor’s experience, they’ll return that investment in spades—with commitment, energy, and meaningful impact.

We’re proud to support Contract HR positions as a smart solution for our clients. By opting for an HR contractor, you can ensure everything runs smoothly, provide your team with the support they need, and create a seamless experience for everyone including the team member heading out on maternity leave. They’ll be able to enjoy their leave knowing that their role and team are in capable hands and continuing to thrive. If you’re planning for maternity leave cover and want to explore the benefits of hiring an HR contractor take a look at our contract page for more information or don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team, we’d love to help you find the right fit.