The Importance of Valuing Temps

Like we discussed in one of our previous blog posts, temporary workers can be extremely valuable assets to any company.

Let's quickly review why this is the case.

Temps provide their company:

• Flexibility – Companies utilize temporary workers in an effort to better manage the ebbs and flows of their business.
• Working interview – Temporary positions are viewed as a working interview. It gives candidates the opportunity to prove themselves and the employer a chance to review the candidate’s work before committing to him/her full-time.

A common practice for companies is to hire temps through a recruiting firm - that way the worker is included in the recruiting firm’s headcount, not the hiring company’s headcount. While this is beneficial for the company hiring the temp, it can create some cultural issues. Despite temps working hand-in-hand with employees of the organization, they often feel isolated and excluded from the goings on of the organization. 

So how can a company make a temp feel valued?

• Culture - Create a welcoming work environment for all workers - whether they are full-time, part-time or a temp. Also, make sure the employees who will be working closely with the temp go out of their way to make the temp feel like he/she is part of the team.
• Events - Invite the temp to work functions. Grabbing lunch or heading to a happy hour? Is there a company picnic scheduled while they are at work? Invite them too!
• Thank you - Show appreciation for their work. Provide positive feedback when warranted - the same way you would an employee of the company.

Yes, the company plays an important role in appreciating the temp, however the staffing firm plays an equally important role. The relationship between a temp and the staffing firm needs to be deeper than providing a paycheck.

What are some ways a staffing firm can make a temp feel valued?

• Check-in - Find out how things are going, are there challenges, what are they working on, etc. It is important to provide the temp the opportunity to vent if something is not working out. Actively listen and help provide a solution.
• Feedback - Share feedback the company provides you.  If it is positive, great. If it is negative, provide constructive feedback and let the temp know the expectations moving forward.
• Reward achievements - If your temp does something spectacular, reward them. Whether it is lunch, a happy hour, or a gift card, acknowledge their achievement and appreciate their work.