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Temps can be a valuable resource. Manage them effectively and you will maximise their value to your business. Of course, it’s important that you employ a proactive agency to help you ascertain exactly what your requirements are prior to engaging a temp. Then, in order to make best use of them it’s worth bearing the following tips in mind.
Tips for managing temps
Clarity – Give the temp clear, achievable goals; make it clear to whom they are reporting and what to do if they have a query. People need goals and temps are no different in that respect.
Teamwork - Let your team know what is going on and get their goodwill. They will probably have useful suggestions on how the temp can be best utilised.
Respect – Welcome the temp consultant to your team. Give him/her the opportunity to contribute with his/her experiences and insights, which can add value to your organization.
Induction – On the temp’s first day you should brief them properly and provide a basic induction (office culture, toilets, dress code and so on), which includes an introduction to the rest of the team.
Training – Time spent training temps need not be wasted: it can make them more efficient.
Communication – Get feedback from the person managing the temp to see if they are shaping up. Also, speak directly with the temp to see if they have any issues that may be hampering their ability to do the job.
Feedback – Open dialogue is very important to get the most out of your temp. Don’t hesitate to involve the recruitment agency in the dialogue if something doesn’t work out as hoped for. The agency often have a good relation with the consultant and can be of help solving the problem.
From temp-to-perm
If you find that one of your temps is performing particularly well and wish to offer him/her a permanent role let him/her know as soon as possible. If you don’t, you may well find that they have obtained a permanent position elsewhere. You should also raise the issue with the agency with whom you are dealing as soon as you realise you want the person to go permanent.
If you are actually looking for a temp to go permanent from the very beginning it is worthwhile letting the agency know in advance. They can offer advice and help you organise mini-appraisals for the temp during the initial trial period.
