When a company is faced with a sudden increase in workload, or a specific task that needs to be completed urgently, hiring temporary staff can be a huge help. Temporary workers can be brought on board quickly and easily, and can be released just as easily when their services are no longer needed. This makes them a very convenient option for companies that need extra support on a short-term basis.
However, not all temporary staffing is the same, and choosing to hire temp workers does come with its own set of challenges. In order to get the most out of temporary workers, companies need to be aware of these challenges and take steps to address them.
1. Managing expectations
One of the biggest challenges of working with temporary staff is managing expectations. When hiring temporary staff, it is important to be clear about what their role will be and what is expected of them. This includes setting expectations around hours, workload, and deadlines. It is also important to ensure that the temp worker is aware of these expectations.
Temporary workers are not meant to be a long-term solution, they are brought on board to help with a specific task or tasks. Once the project and those tasks are completed, they are usually released. While it is possible to potentially turn the temp worker into a permanent employee, this should not be the expectation going in unless you have notified your staffing agency that you are specifically looking for a permanent hire.
2. Fitting into the company culture
Another challenge of working with temporary staff is making sure that they fit into the company culture. This can be a particular challenge when the temp worker is only with the company for a short period of time. It is important to ensure that they understand the company culture and how things work, and that they are respectful of company policies and procedures.
At MGR Workforce, we have put thousands of temp labour associates to work. We’ve been in business since 1999 and understand that finding the right talent for your project is critical to the success of your project. If our worker is not fitting into your company culture and you are not happy within the first eight hours we will replace them free of charge.
3. Managing communication
Another challenge of working with temporary staff is managing communication. Because temporary workers are not a long-term part of the team, it can be difficult to keep track of who they are and what they are working on. This can make it difficult to communicate with them effectively, or to get them up to speed on projects or tasks.
One way to overcome this challenge is to establish a communication system that is specific to temporary workers. This could include using a different email address or contact person for temp workers, or setting up regular check-in meetings to ensure that everyone is on the same page.
4. Onboarding and training
When hiring temporary staff, it is important to provide them with proper onboarding and training. This includes ensuring that they are familiar with the company culture, as well as the specific tasks that they will be working on. It is also important to provide them with the tools and resources they need to do their job effectively.
At MGR Workforce, we take the time to onboard and train our workers so they are ready to start work on day one. We believe that this is critical to the success of your project.
5. Managing workload
Another challenge of working with temporary staff is managing workload. When hiring temporary staff, it is important to ensure that they are not overworked or overwhelmed with tasks. This can lead to poor work quality and/or missed deadlines.
One way to manage workload is to ensure that the temp worker is aware of what they are responsible for. It is also important to stagger deadlines and tasks, so that the temp worker does not have too much work at once.
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6. The issue of dependability
There is a stigma attached to the words “temp worker.” The assumption is that this person is not dependable, and that they are only looking for a short-term gig. This is not always the case, but it can be a challenge to overcome this perception.
At MGR Workforce, our workers are dependable, hard-working individuals who are looking for the opportunity to work in an environment where they can utilize their expertise. All worker applicants are carefully screened prior to going through our in-depth onboarding training program, as well as a virtual meeting with our team to verify their information and ensure they are the right fit for our our clients.
One of the key differentiators in our implementation methodology is how we quantify, on an on-going basis, the quality of our workers. This ensures we deliver the highest quality service possible to our clients. At MGR Workforce, each worker is ‘scored’ for quality based on a formula that includes client quality scores, absenteeism, on-time rates, skills-set, accreditations, and other critical factors.
7. Ending the relationship
The final challenge of working with temporary staff is ending the relationship. When the project or task is completed, it can be difficult to let the worker go, especially if the worker has been a part of the team for a while.
One way to make the ending process easier is to have a clear plan in place. This could include specifying the date that the worker will be released, or providing them with a list of tasks that need to be completed before they leave.
Try Temporary Staffing Today
We set the standard for quality, professionalism, and superior service as a trusted network of skilled and unskilled workers in North America. We understand what it takes to make sure your staffing needs are fulfilled and will match the right workers with your needs. We understand that cost is a critical factor when making hiring decisions. That’s why we offer competitive rates, while still providing high-quality workers, an extraordinary level of service and unmatched value.
MGR Workforce would be happy to help you with your temporary staffing needs. Contact us today and let us prove our value to you.