Summer often brings multiple requests from staff for their earned vacation time. If summer is also your peak time, the need for temporary support staff increases. To make the most out of your summer help, and prevent potential headaches, consider these suggestions:
Onboarding Paperwork
When you hire temps during peak periods, it’s essential to differentiate between seasonal and temporary employees and complete the correct, state-mandated paperwork.
Temp workers are classified in two ways and are reported according to classification and state mandates.
- Seasonal workers are temps who work during annual events or busy seasons.
- Year-round temps work for set periods.
Payroll and HR must classify these workers according to State mandates, or their company may face penalties.
Training
Although seasonal help will be with you for short periods, do not skimp with their training; the time spent will be worth it in the long run.
- You want to give your clients and customers the same quality service they expect, so spending time to train upfront will thwart any potential problems with your patrons.
- You want projects to be completed correctly and on time.
Communication
The more informed a temp worker is, the higher the chance he/she has of success.
- Designate a go-to source for questions.
- Communicate job expectations upfront.
Motivate
Seasonal workers do not have the same motivators as your full-time personnel. They are not striving for a promotion or an increase in salary. Unlike your permanent staff members, they do not enjoy the same benefits. Take time, think out of the box, and create incentives that demonstrate your temps’ value to your company. For example:
- Offer rewards for goals met – individually and as teams
- Provide financial incentives
- Give verbal recognition
Make Your Temps Insiders, not Outsiders
A mistake often made by managers is to exclude seasonal staff from team-related activities. Inclusion provides better results.
- Get to know your temp – give them a name, rather than a number
- Invite temps to sit in on team meetings
- Ask for their input
- Give them feedback on their performance
Bottom line: Recognize that whether your staff is full-time, part-time, or seasonal, they are all people and should be treated equally. Your team management approach has a direct impact on employee performance and success of your company.
About Lingo Staffing
Lingo is a full-service staffing firm dedicated to providing top quality services to its clients and its candidate pool. With extensive knowledge and experience in light industrial, administrative, and professional employment, Lingo encompasses the capabilities and resources necessary to help you get ahead.
Our experience and commitment to client satisfaction make us the perfect choice to manage all your staffing needs. Our staff guarantees exceptional customer service with a fitting response time.
Our experts are located at an office near you: Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Tennessee, and Georgia.
Lingo, the language of On Demand solutions. Contact us at an office convenient to you.