5 Ways to Embrace Temporary Workers

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What was once used more in times of desperation, the use of temporary workers has become more and more common in today's flexible work environment.

A study by employee staffing firm Accountemps found that 90 percent of chief financial officers find it beneficial to use temporary workers to maintain productivity, while 89 percent feel hiring contingent staff is an effective way to evaluate prospective employees firsthand.

"Supplementing core teams with project professionals is not only a cost-effective staffing strategy, but allows firms to be more nimble and access specialized expertise at a much quicker pace," said Greg Scileppi, president of Robert Half's international staffing operations." Job seekers  who wish to get their foot in the door with a particular company may also find this arrangement ideal, as it allows the individual to gauge their potential fit for the position, and assess a company's culture before determining whether to pursue a full-time role at the organization."

As more and more businesses rely on the use of temporary workers, Accountemps offers five ways for managers to make sure they get started on the right foot:

• Get everyone on the same page: Before the new employee starts, managers should let their team know why they are being brought on, the type of work to be performed and how the contributions will help alleviate workloads in the department.
• 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.
• Have one contact: It's best if the manager or someone on their staff who thoroughly understands the scope of work oversees the interim professional's progress. Just as they would with a full-time employee, supervisors should establish open lines of communication to ensure a smooth project transition.
• Stay in touch: Continue to check in with the temporary staff member to answer questions, provide feedback and ensure the project is on track.
• Give updates: When working through a staffing firm, let the contact there know how the interim employee is performing. This will provide valuable feedback for future assignments. Also, companies should let the staffing firm know up front if they are contemplating a temporary-to-hire arrangement.

The study was based on surveys of more than 100 chief financial officers.

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