What Is Stopgap?

Stopgap is a term used to describe a temporary solution to a problem. It is a quick fix that acts as a bridge to a more permanent solution.

In an office environment, a stopgap might be used to address a short-term staffing crisis. If an employee goes on leave unexpectedly, a stopgap may be the solution to fill in the gap until a more permanent employee is found.

When to Use Stopgap

Stopgap solutions are best used when addressing short-term challenges. It’s not wise to rely heavily on stopgap measures, as they are only meant to provide temporary relief.

Stopgap solutions are also best used when the timeframe for achieving a permanent solution is uncertain. It’s important to navigate between the need for a short-term solution and the ultimate goal of a permanent solution.

Examples of Stopgap

Here are a few examples of when a stopgap might be helpful:

• When you need to quickly fill a position — If you need to hire an employee for a short amount of time, a stopgap might help you bridge the gap until you find a permanent hire.

• When you need to quickly fix a problem — If you need to fix an issue quickly, a stopgap might provide temporary relief.

• When you need to quickly implement something — If you need to quickly implement a new process or technology, a stopgap solution could help you get it up and running until a more permanent solution can be put in place.

Conclusion

Stopgap is a term used to describe a temporary solution to a problem. It’s best used to address short-term challenges, when the timeframe for achieving a permanent solution is uncertain. Stopgap solutions can be useful in a variety of situations, from quickly filling a position to quickly implementing something. In any case, a stopgap is only meant to provide temporary relief until a more permanent solution can be achieved.