In the event of a labor shortage, or, that a labor disruption occurs, utilizing a temporary workforce can help your business seamlessly transition and keep any disruption of operation to a minimum. Being able to draw from a database of workers with a variety of different skills - such as those provided by Strom Engineering - allows you to find people to fit your business’s specific productivity needs.
However, when it comes to the effective deployment of temporary employees, there are a number of things you’ll want to keep in mind during the transition. When adapting a temp workforce to business-specific needs, here’s what to focus on:
Make Sure Assistance is Readily Available
Before temp workers even arrive onsite for their regular shifts, ensure that your key managers and employees are available to provide work direction to each shift. When necessary and practical, a buddy system or job shadowing may be effective in getting temporary employees integrated into your workflows. . On top of that, communication with relevant decision makers can also help in making any necessary changes (ex. Scheduling, adding/reducing workforce, etc.) to ensure the right personnel are working in the right place and time.
Highlight Processes and Follow Protocols
Workplace processes that emphasize safety and efficiency, particularly in the area of machine operation, should be followed to a T. Following processes and protocols ensures that new temp hires stay safe in a new facility and company that they aren’t yet accustomed to.
In addition to basic process training, ensure that proper documentation is readily available in instances where workforce members need to refer to documented procedural guidelines for reference. No new temp hire should be working with tools outside of their line of expertise, or problems could happen and you’d have a bigger issue on your hands.
Make Sure Workers Are Correctly Equipped
Having the right equipment is a must, especially in manufacturing and industrial workspaces. This isn’t just limited to equipment that helps get the job done efficiently, but also safety equipment that protects workers from injury. Having the proper tools for a surplus of employees during the busy season and thinking ahead with a contingency plan can ensure your temporary workforce is equipped properly when/if they are activated. Be sure to communicate with your staffing partner so that all your safety protocols are maintained and all necessary protective equipment is arranged prior to the arrival of new personnel.
Protect Intellectual Property
As one of your business’s most important assets, intellectual property should be protected with the utmost sensitivity. Ensure that all loose ends are tied up by getting temp workers to sign agreements intended to protect any proprietary information. Without these signed agreements, it can easily put your company’s personal data and information at risk. After all, temp employees are working for you only temporarily and aren’t directly working for you, so they may be unaware of what’s private information and what’s public.
Emphasize Protections Against Injury
Job sites, particularly those in manufacturing, can present safety challenges if workers don’t follow proper protocols, or if the job sites themselves aren’t up to compliance. Therefore, thoroughly helping temp workers understand safety nuances is absolutely critical. Companies such as Strom Engineering can help businesses mitigate safety concerns by providing onsite consultations prior to deployment of a workforce.
Pay Attention to Specific Certifications
Even when drawing from highly skilled databases of temp workers, there are certain operations that will require additional training through certifications. Such certifications are important to pay attention to, as they can help you meet and exceed industry compliance. Certifications may also range based on different geographic locations. While temp employees may be certified in one location, it doesn’t always transfer to another location, so it’s important to keep possible training opportunities in mind.
Make Temp Workers Feel Welcome
Even if they’re only temporary, temp workforces can play an integral role in supporting your organization, particularly during ramp-up periods. Thus, make sure to treat them with respect and compliment team members on a job well done when warranted. If temp hires are treated well and like part of your team, you’ll likely find that they go above and beyond during their time
Related Blog: How Long Do Temp Jobs Last?
In regards to temporary employees, training is up to both sides – the temp staffing agency and the host employer – to make the situation safe and beneficial for all involved. When everyone works together, productivity can be maintained and your company can transition seamlessly to move beyond the challenges presented by labor disruptions.
Strom Engineering is a national staffing and recruitment agency, with a particular focus on manufacturing, engineering, assembly, and other trade positions. We match skilled candidates to temporary or project staffing positions. Learn more about how it works and check out our case studies for more information.