How to Onboard Your Temporary Employees for Greatest Success

Posted September 12, 2013

Imagine what it’s like to be a temporary worker. At each new assignment, a temp has to:

• find his way to and around a new work location;
• learn how to use new computer systems, tools, machinery or other equipment;
• fit into an entirely unique corporate culture
• be instantly productive in his new position.

That would be daunting for most people! To ensure you get the best out of your contingent staff —and get the most return for your temporary staffing investment—you need to take some steps to help them hit the ground running. Here’s how:

1. Streamline Paperwork.

Don’t waste your temporary employees’ first day with paperwork. Instead, have them fill out necessary forms ahead of time or online so that when they arrive at your company, they’re ready to get to work.

2. Communicate Clearly & Regularly.

Give your staffing firm clear and detailed job descriptions, as well as performance expectations.  Sharing this information before the assignment starts helps ensure all parties are on the same page—and are working toward the same goals.  Once the employees arrive on site, review with them what they’re supposed to do and how you’ll measure their performance. And check in with them on a regular basis to see how things are going. The more effort you put into communicating with your temporary employees, the better the results will be.

3. Have Everything Ready

Have all the materials they will need to perform their work available and set up. Once employees arrive, take a few minutes to properly introduce them to their co-workers, show them the location of the break room and the restrooms, and make sure they know where to direct questions and concerns.

4. Require Orientation for Temporary Employees.

You may think that orientation for temporary employees is a waste of time. But even though they’re not permanent, full-time employees, they still need to know about your safety regulations, expected conduct, workplace policies, and other important rules and regulations.

5. Offer Training & Support.

If a temporary employee is working with a software program or piece of equipment they’re not familiar with, make sure they’re properly trained before they start their assignment. By taking the time to ensure temporary workers know what they’re doing, you’ll minimize errors and maximize productivity.

An effective onboarding process for temporaries can help smooth any temp’s transition into your organization.

If you’re ready to bring some experienced, motivated temporary employees on board, give Ambassador a call. As one of the leading temporary staffing agencies in the Southeast, our temporary staffing services can give you fast access to skilled and dependable people, helping you get more done – all without increasing your overhead. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you. If you are looking for temp agencies, contact Ambassador today.