Organisations take on temporary staff for a variety of reasons. Perhaps you have a peak season and need reinforcements to deal with the increase in workload. Or maybe you need to cover a role while someone is off on extended leave. Or a special project about to launch. Whatever the reason, temporary employees can provide you with the valuable skills and experience you need. They can also help boost productivity. . . when managed effectively.
Maximising Productivity: How to Manage a Temporary Workforce is a set of tips to help ensure your temporary employees deliver on the job.
Be open and honest
From the outset, you can manage expectations by providing your temps with a clear job description. With the right information, they can establish whether they’re the right fit for the role early on in the process. A job description can also help avoid unpleasant surprises once temps are on the job. Advising temporary staff of the approximate timeframe of their placement is also important as it can help them forward plan. And be honest if there is no prospect of ongoing work. Often, temps look at a placement as a stepping stone to a permanent role within an organisation.
Onboard them
Even the most seasoned temps may find it challenging to hit the ground running on day one. If you offer temporary staff a thorough induction on arrival, you’ll find that it will pay dividends. Your temps will have an idea of who people are in the organisation, what they do and where things are. You may also want to buddy them up with a co-worker, especially in the first week or two. And, if they’re likely to stay for a few months, consider allocating your temps a mentor, who can provide guidance and advice.
Treat them on an equal footing
Include your temps in team/organisation meetings – and make sure they’re on the list for social events, too. True inclusivity, when your temps feel involved, included and treated fairly, will help them feel valued and encourage them to perform effectively. Yes, it’s a win-win!
Give them a voice
Invite your temporary employees to make suggestions, contribute to discussion, and even challenge the way things are done – both online and offline. Long-term temps will come to you with a wealth of ideas, knowledge and experience, often gained in multiple organisations. Their contributions could help improve processes and increase productivity.
Provide regular feedback
Check in regularly with your temps, just as you would with your permanent employees. Congratulate them for tasks they’re doing well. Positive reinforcement will help boost their satisfaction levels and drive performance. Also give them strategies to improve where needed as these will help enhance their performance still further.
With their varied skill sets and experience, temps are an important organisational resource. Managing them effectively doesn’t have to be difficult or time consuming. By implementing a few simple tips, you’ll maximise the investment you’ve made. When your temps settle quickly and feel welcome and valued, they’ll contribute fully to the success of the organisation.
If you’re looking for temporary staff, please contact the professional team at Optimal Workforce today on admin@optimalworkforce.com.au or 02 8077 7030.
