Companies Turn to Temporary Workers to Meet Needs

If you’re looking for a job, don’t rule out working part-time.  Companies are seeing benefits of hiring temporary employees.  Who knows, a part-time position could lead to a better opportunity down the road.  The following post has more information.

Companies are using temporary professionals for a range of roles, from standing in for absent employees to filling skills gaps, a new Accountemps survey finds. Three-quarters (76 percent) of chief financial officers (CFOs) interviewed find it very or somewhat beneficial to use temporary workers during employee absences. Nearly as many (72 percent) survey respondents said contingent staff help their organizations access specialized skills on an as-needed basis. The same percentage cited maintaining productivity when they aren’t ready to hire full-time workers as a benefit of using temporary staff.

Max Messmer, Chairman and CEO of Robert Half International

“There is a structural shift occurring in the labor market as businesses rely more heavily on a flexible workforce,” said Max Messmer, chairman of Accountemps and author of the just released Human Resources KitFor Dummies^®, 3^rd Edition. “Working with temporary professionals allows companies to be nimble and access specialized expertise when ‑‑ and for as long as ‑‑ needed.

“Many skilled and experienced professionals choose project work because of the freedom and flexibility it affords. For companies, that means being able to access high-caliber talent at a moment’s notice,” added Messmer.

Here are five ways for managers to help temporary professionals get off to a good start:

1. Get everyone on the same page. Before the new employee starts, let your team know why he or she is being brought on, the type of work to be performed and how the contributions will help alleviate workloads in the department.
2. Set a game plan. Temporary professionals can contribute more quickly if they know what is expected of them from day one. Give clear direction, such as project details and deadlines, at the start of any assignment.
3. Select a single point of contact. It’s best to have you or someone on your staff who thoroughly understands the scope of work oversee the interim professional’s progress. Just as you would with a full-time employee, establish open lines of communication to ensure a smooth project transition.
4. Stay in touch. Continue to check in with the temporary staff member to answer questions, provide feedback and ensure the project is on track.
5. Give updates. If you are working through a staffing firm, let your contact there know how the interim employee is performing. Also, let the staffing firm know upfront if you are contemplating a temporary-to-hire arrangement. Temporary assignments can be a good way to evaluate prospective new hires firsthand.