Job Boards now support three new employment types: Contractor, Per Diem, and PRN (Pro Re Nata). These options help you reach the right candidates when hiring for non-traditional roles like 1099 workers, shift-based staff, and on-call floaters.
This article covers what each new type means, when to use them, and how they differ from existing options.
What changed
The employment type field in position templates has been updated:
Old label: Full-time or part-time
New label: What is the employment type?
Three new options are now available alongside the existing Full-Time, Part-Time, and Full or Part-Time choices:
Contractor — For project-based or fixed-duration 1099 engagements
Per Diem — For single-shift, day-by-day roles
PRN (Pro Re Nata) — For on-call or as-needed float workers
Employment type overview
Use the table below to understand all available employment types and when to use each one.
Employment Type | Schedule | Tax Status | Best For | Example |
Full-Time | 30–40+ hours/week; consistent | W2 | Long-term core staff | Permanent store manager |
Part-Time | < 30 hours/week; consistent or rotating | W2 | Supplementing core staff | Weekend cashier |
Full or Part-Time | Flexible | W2 | High-volume or open hiring | Retail seasonal hiring |
Contractor | Fixed duration or project-based | 1099 | Specialized or seasonal projects | Holiday rush warehouse worker |
Per Diem | By the day; one specific shift | 1099 or W2 | Filling a known gap right now | Extra hand for Friday's shipment |
PRN | As needed; on-call, no guaranteed hours | 1099 or W2 | Building a backup float pool | On-call nurse for sick coverage |
The new employment types explained
Contractor
A Contractor is hired to complete a specific job for a defined period of time. This is the right choice when the role has a clear start and end date, or is tied to a specific project or season.
Tax status: 1099 Independent Contractor
Schedule: Fixed duration (e.g., 3 months) or project-based
Example: Hiring 20 extra warehouse workers for the Holiday Rush (November–January)
📌 Contractor roles typically have a clear start and end date. Use this type when the engagement is time-bound, not ongoing.
Per Diem
Per Diem means "by the day." Use this type when you need to fill one specific, known shift in the near future. Once the shift ends, the engagement is complete.
Tax status: 1099 or W2 (varies by arrangement)
Schedule: One shift on a specific date
Example: A construction site needs extra help this Friday to unload a large shipment
📌 Per Diem is best when you have an immediate, specific gap to fill. If you need ongoing backup coverage instead, use PRN.
PRN (Pro Re Nata)
PRN means "as needed." Use this type to build a pool of reliable workers you can call in when regular staff are unavailable. PRN workers have no guaranteed schedule and are not expected to be available at all times.
Tax status: 1099 or W2 (varies by arrangement)
Schedule: No guaranteed hours; on-call basis
Example: A retail store maintains a list of 5 workers to call when regulars call out sick or the store gets unexpectedly busy
📌 PRN is best for building a long-term float pool, not for filling a specific shift. If you have a specific date and time to fill, use Per Diem instead.
Per Diem vs. PRN: which one should I use?
Both types are flexible, but they serve different needs. Use this comparison to choose the right one.
| Per Diem | PRN |
Meaning | By the day | As needed |
Intent | Scheduled / planned | Reactive / fill-in |
Commitment | Fixed to a specific date or shift | No set date; triggered by absences or demand |
Best for | Filling a known gap on the calendar | Building a standing pool of backup workers |
Example | "I need an RN this Friday from 8 AM to 8 PM." | "I want 10 nurses on call for whenever someone calls out sick." |
W2 vs. 1099: a quick explainer
Some of the new employment types can be either W2 or 1099 depending on your arrangement. Here's a simple breakdown of the difference.
W2 (Standard Employee)
The company controls the schedule, provides training, and withholds taxes from pay
Worker receives a W2 form at year-end
May include benefits such as health insurance or paid time off
1099 (Independent Contractor)
The worker operates independently — they choose when and how they work
The company does not withhold taxes from their pay
Worker receives a 1099 form at year-end and handles their own taxes
⚠️ Workstream does not determine or enforce tax classification. You are responsible for ensuring you select the correct employment type based on your legal and HR requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Will existing position templates be affected?
No. Existing templates will keep their current employment type selection. The new options only appear when creating or editing a position template going forward.
Can I post a job as both Per Diem and PRN?
No. Each position template requires a single employment type. If you need both, create separate templates for each.
Is Contractor the same as Part-Time?
No. A Contractor is a 1099 independent worker hired for a specific project or term. A Part-Time employee is a W2 worker on a recurring but reduced schedule.
Who does this update apply to?
All customers. No configuration or opt-in is required.
❔ What's next?
To start using the new employment types, go to Admin View › Position Templates and create or edit a template. You'll see the updated What is the employment type? field in Step 1.