5 Tips for Engaging with Temporary Staff

Summer is almost here. And if you rely on temporary workers during this busy season, then your roster of employees is getting ready to grow.

But just because you hire someone on a temporary basis doesn’t mean you shouldn’t make an effort to get and keep them engaged. In fact, doing so can help you build a strong pool of seasonal, temporary talent you can rely on for years to come. It can also be a great source for full-time employees once you are ready to hire.

So how do you engage with your temporary staff – so you can get the most from them? Here are 5 tips to help you:

Tip #1: Train your temporary workers.

It might be tempting to skimp on training for temporary workers. However, you’ll pay for it in the end with people who don’t really know what they’re doing. When you train your workers, not only will you expand their skill set, but you’ll boost their confidence, improve their interactions  with customers, and keep them coming back to you for work opportunities.

Tip #2: Provide competitive pay.

Just because an employee is seasonal doesn’t mean you should pay them poorly. In fact, if you pay them less than what they’re worth, the chances of them sticking with you through your busy season decrease tremendously. The last thing you want is to be in the midst of a hiring crisis during a peak period. Instead, pay your temporary workers well.

Tip #3: Offer benefits.

Most employers don’t offer much in the way of benefits to temporary workers. Your company can stand out – making it easier to hire and retain top seasonal employees – when you offer benefits like paid vacation days and a flexible schedule.

Tip #4: Offer cash bonuses.

Temporary workers are often paid less than their full-time counterparts. One way to attract the best – and keep them engaged throughout the season – is to offer a cash bonus for good performance. So set clear goals for your temporary workers and reward them when they meet or exceed certain milestones. You can even reward workers for perfect attendance or for providing exceptional customer service.

Tip #5: Treat them well.

Just because temporary workers aren’t full-time doesn’t mean you and your core staff should treat them like second class citizens. If you do, it’s a quick way to de-motivate them. Instead, introduce your temporary workers around, encourage your full-time staff to help them out when needed, and make an effort to get your temporary workers assimilated to the workplace.

Do you need help hiring temporary workers for your upcoming busy season? Call Morgan Hunter. As one of the top temporary staffing agencies in Kansas City, Morgan Hunter can give you access to the skilled and dependable temporary help you need – where and when you need it.

Contact Morgan Hunter today to learn more about how we can assist you.