Temporary Employees: How to Make the Most of Them This Summer
June 10, 2014
If you’re busiest during the summer months, then hiring temporary, seasonal workers is a way of life for you. That said, it’s certainly not always smooth sailing.
Having employees who deliver great customer service and get the job done is critical to business success. But, as a leading temp agency in Houston, Murray Resources knows that between burnout, turnover and just plain bad hires, getting through the summer can certainly be a balancing act.
To help you make the most of your seasonal workers this summer, here are a few tips to consider:
#1. Explain the value of the job they’re doing.
For a temporary worker, they may be cleaning hotel rooms. For your customers, though, they are playing a critical part in providing an exceptional experience.
When hiring seasonal, temporary workers, don’t just explain to them their daily job duties; tell them why what they’re doing is so important. When you do, they’ll feel more invested in their work and accountable for it.
#2. Get them familiar with your company and core team.
Many times, temporary workers arrive on the job and have to get to work immediately without getting to know the company, the culture and the employees. The results can be overwhelming for the worker. Instead, get them familiar with your company; for instance, invite them to a company social event.
Also, make sure all your temporaries are required to go through a training session. This can be anything from a seminar, where they learn about what you do and meet key staff members, to having them come in and work alongside a veteran staff member for a day.
Regardless of the approach you take, when temp help is properly trained and onboarded, they’ll feel more comfortable during their time with you.
#3. Check in often.
Do spot checks of temporary employees during those first few days. If all seems to be going well, then follow up with them on a weekly basis to monitor progress and address any questions or concerns.
#4. Be mindful of scheduling.
Don’t let your summer help get burned out. Be mindful when you’re making up schedules. For instance, don’t schedule a person to work the closing shift on a Tuesday and then open on a Wednesday. Provide them with plenty of time to rest in between shifts, so they’re eager and refreshed once back on the job.
#5. Give thanks.
Don’t forget to recognize the contributions of temporary employees. They need praise too. So when they do a good job, acknowledge them. And if you find ones that are especially exceptional, invite them back to work for you next year.
If you need help finding great temporary employees for your business this summer, contact Murray Resources. As a leading temp agency in Houston, we can help you find and hire the skilled and dependable people you need, where and when you need them. Contact us today if you’d like to learn more.