Final answer:
Harold's Department Stores likely uses contingent workers primarily for scheduling flexibility, which helps the store adapt to fluctuating workloads and economic conditions without incurring the costs associated with hiring and laying off permanent staff.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most likely reason that Harold's Department Stores use contingent workers is for having scheduling flexibility. Contingent workers allow businesses to adjust more easily to workload fluctuations without the commitment of permanent hires. This alignment with business needs, especially in uncertain economic times, allows firms to avoid the costs associated with laying off workers if the demand for products or services weakens and subsequently recruiting and training new employees if the situation improves.
Contingent workers are temporary or part-time employees who do not have a long-term commitment to the company. They can be hired on an as-needed basis to meet fluctuating demand or to cover gaps in the workforce.
By utilizing contingent workers, Harold's Department Stores can adjust their staffing levels based on demand, ensuring that they have enough workers during busy periods and reducing labor costs during slow periods.