Onboarding Temporary Employees – Techniques and Best Practices
Many companies use temporary employees these days; however, a large portion of these companies fail to onboard temporary employees. It’s understandable, when a temp’s time with the company will be short. However, temporary employees need and deserve the same level of onboarding as full-time employees.
Why Onboard Temporary Employees?
Temporary employees are a valuable part of your team, otherwise there would be no need for them. Onboarding can help temporary staff to feel like they’re a valuable part of the team.
It’s a proven fact that temporary staff who feel they are both appreciated and valued end up being more productive, while those left on their own will be marginally productive by comparison. Don’t skimp when it comes to onboarding temp employees and you’ll be happy with the results.
Tips for Onboarding Temporary Staff
When it’s done right, your company will reap the benefits of happy, productive temps. Here’s a list of tips and best practices for onboarding temporary employees:
1) Have a standardized onboarding process: just as your company has a formal process for new regular hires, be sure to have a standard process for onboarding temporary staff. Make them feel welcome by introducing them to everyone, conduct a company orientation (including policies and procedures), convey job expectations & responsibilities, and more.
2) Training & tools: make sure to provide the training and tools the temps need for their work. For example, administrative support staff will need access to a desk and computer, while those in customer service will need training on how to handle all types of customers and problems. Help temp employees to succeed by providing the proper training and tools.
3) Provide a mentor: this is a great way to help new temps feel as if they’re important and part of the team. A mentor can answer questions, help new employees fit in with other and learn about the company’s culture, and more. A mentor should be a person who is both kind and patient, one who is comfortable answering questions and working with people.
4) Incentivize learning: offer incentives for temporary staff to complete training, courses or for accomplishments such as milestones in job performance, etc. Incentives help motivate temporary workers, who may otherwise feel they don’t need to put much effort into a short-time position. Incentives can be cash bonuses, but can also include gift cards, or even training and the possibility of a full-time position as they meet set goals and accomplishments.
5) Be inclusive: help your temporary staff to feel included in the company—let them know they belong. Make them feel welcome by including them in company gatherings, parties, team breakfasts and more. Help them get to know the people they’ll be working with.
Properly onboarding temporary staff can make them feel included in the company, and you’ll provide the training and tools they need to be a productive part of the team. While their time with the company will be short, temporary employees need and deserve a standardized onboarding process to be a productive part of the team.