Your Guide to Hiring Temporary Employees

Companies often turn to temporary staff to manage peak workloads, cover for absent employees, or bring in specialized skills for short-term projects. However, hiring temporary employees requires careful planning and execution.

Temporary Employee Roles

Temporary employees are well-suited for roles that require flexibility, adaptability, and specific short-term needs. This includes administrative support, customer service, retail, professional services, warehouse, and logistics positions. Temporary staff also allow businesses to fill critical needs while assessing needs for the future. Temp positions can turn into more permanent or full-time roles giving both the employee and the business time to assess skills, goals, culture, and overall fit for both parties. Temporary personnel are often initially hired for:

• Seasonal Positions
• Project-based Work
• Specialized Skills
• Maternity or Sick Leave Coverage
• Emergencies or Unexpected Workload
• Flexible Staffing Needs

Why Choose a Staffing Agency?

The decision to recruit temporary talent on your own or through a staffing agency depends on balancing factors such as cost, time constraints, expertise, and the specific nature of your hiring needs. Utilizing staffing agencies to hire temporary employees provides numerous benefits to companies. By outsourcing recruitment to a staffing agency, companies save time, money, and have the ability to assess talent. Staffing agencies have a deep network of top talent and manage payrolling and onboarding. A staffing agency can also conduct background checks, skills testing, and thorough interviews to ensure the candidates align with your needs and values.

Staffing agencies create a faster hiring process, are cost-efficient, and support employers with compliance and legal considerations. A quality staffing agency can become a true partner and extension of the business’s team allowing them to focus on core business activities and strategic initiatives rather than spending time on hiring logistics.

Steps to Take Before Approaching a Staffing Agency

Before hiring a staffing agency, employers should take several preparatory steps to ensure a smooth and effective collaboration:

• Define Staffing Needs: Clearly outline the roles, responsibilities, and skills required for the positions you need to fill.
• Set Budget and Timeline: Establish a budget for recruitment expenses, including agency fees, and define the timeline for filling the positions. Consider any seasonal fluctuations or urgent hiring needs.
• Research and Select Agencies: Conduct research to identify reputable staffing agencies with experience in your industry or specific job roles.
• Gather Necessary Resources: Provide the staffing agency with access to resources they may need, such as company information, branded materials, and details about your company culture.

If you are wondering how to hire temporary workers, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process:

1. Evaluate Needs

Understand the Purpose: Start by identifying why you need temporary employees. Is it for seasonal peaks, skill gaps, project-based tasks, or to cover for permanent staff on leave? Clarifying the reason will help you define the role more accurately.

Specify the Extent: Outline the specific tasks and responsibilities the temporary employee will undertake. Consider the skills required and the duration of the assignment. Will the position last a few weeks, months, or until a project is complete?

2. Formulate a Concise Job Description

A well-crafted job description is crucial in attracting suitable job seekers. A staffing agency can assist, but they will need some key information. Ensure your job description includes:

• Job Title and Responsibilities: Briefly summarize the role and key tasks.
• Skills and Qualifications: Specify the required skills, experience, and any preferred qualifications.
• Duration and Hours: State the expected duration of employment, work hours, location, and any flexibility.
• Compensation: Outline the pay rate and any benefits offered.

3. Screen and Select Candidates

Staffing agencies play a crucial role in screening and selecting candidates for their clients. From initial candidate sourcing to final selection, staffing agencies help clients find and hire the best talent for their needs.

In-depth screening ensures you select the ideal candidate for your temporary position:

• Review Applications: Examine resumes to identify candidates with relevant experience and skills. Look for specific skills and achievements that align with your needs and assess the candidates’ career progression and stability. Look for consistency in job roles and responsibilities, as well as any upward career trajectory that demonstrates growth and development.
• Conduct Interviews: Interview candidates to assess their qualifications, work ethic, and fit for your company culture. Focus on their ability to adapt to new environments quickly.
• Check References: Verify previous employment and performance to ensure reliability and competence.

4. Onboard Temporary Employee

Provide necessary training and resources to help them succeed. A thorough onboarding process helps temporary employees integrate quickly and perform effectively. The agency may assist with the onboarding process, ensuring a smooth transition for the new hire:

• Provide Clear Instructions: Explain job duties, company policies, and any specific procedures they must follow. Offer training if necessary.
• Introduce Key Personnel: Introduce the employee to team members and other important contacts.

5. Track Performance and Provide Feedback

To ensure your temporary employee meets expectations:

• Set Clear Objectives: Define specific goals and regularly review progress to ensure alignment with expectations.
• Offer Feedback: Provide constructive feedback and address any issues promptly to maintain productivity and morale.
• Support and Resources: Ensure they can access the resources and support needed to succeed in their role.

6. Evaluate and Close

At the end of the temporary assignment:

• Conduct an Exit Interview: Collect feedback from the temporary employee about their experience to improve future hires.
• Complete Administrative Tasks: Ensure all necessary paperwork, including timesheets and final payments, is processed efficiently.
• Assess Performance: Evaluate their contributions and consider if the employee could be a good fit for future temporary or permanent positions. Staffing agencies often follow up with both the client and the new employee to ensure satisfaction and address any issues that may arise.

Conclusion

Hiring temporary employees can provide significant advantages for businesses needing flexibility and efficiency. By carefully defining your needs, working with a reputable staffing agency, and managing temporary staff effectively, you can maximize the benefits of temporary employment and ensure a successful outcome for both your business and the temporary workers.

This guide should help streamline the process and make the most of temporary staffing solutions.

Why AtWork

Our recruiters have extensive experience in warehouse and industrial staffing.  We know the industry and understand your needs. We source, screen, skill test, and place candidates for temp, temp-to-hire and direct hire in a wide variety of roles.

AtWork is a national, award-winning staffing company with local owners and a culture of caring about those we serve.  For more than 30 years, we have built partnerships that go beyond simply filling open positions.  This is how we are AtWork For You:

1. Locally owned – We live in your market.  Our owners are there to provide personalized service, troubleshoot and quickly solve for your needs.  We understand your industry, the community and the candidates.
2. True partners – we are highly awarded and rated because we listen, we care and we work to build relationships.  We treat our team, our candidates and our clients with respect and professionalism.
3. Solutions based – Our goal is a brighter future for everyone.  By understanding your needs, pain points and opportunities, we offer creative solutions, exceptional execution and timely communication.
4. Personalized support – Our industry-certified professionals provide rigorous recruiting, onboarding services, skills testing, safety training, ongoing communication with candidates, benchmarking and consulting.

Partnering with the right staffing agency can make a significant difference in your warehouse’s operational efficiency. By focusing on industry expertise, communication, and clear expectations, you can build a successful relationship that meets your staffing needs effectively.

Let us show you the AtWork Difference today.

Need help finding the right talent for your business?

Partner with AtWork today. Visit atwork.com to find your nearest location or submit a job order using our Talent Request Form and we will respond promptly to discuss your needs.