How to Onboard Temporary Employees Effectively
The onboarding process is a key part of welcoming new employees to the organization, whether temporary or part of the permanent staff. This process can help workers feel more confident and motivated to do their jobs, which, in turn, will have a positive effect on their productivity and their willingness to collaborate.
If you want to welcome your temporary employees the right way, here we’ll tell you all about it so they can start off on the right foot.
Why do companies hire temporary employees?
There are many reasons to hire a temporary employee. One of those could be to add staff for a significant but temporary new project or for a season that’s very high in demand. That way, you can meet the requirements for a bigger staff without scaling up your permanent workforce. This is an excellent solution to short staffing during winter or fall when illnesses like the flu tend to be more frequent.
Another good reason companies hire temporary staff is the need for fast-track hiring. Temps usually start working within a few days, avoiding long notice periods or interview processes. This is another way to tackle the staffing challenges in healthcare.
Finally, there’s the need to bring new and valuable skills to the company. New people can offer a fresh perspective on things that can be very beneficial for the permanent staff, increasing productivity and motivation.
Tips to onboard temporary employees effectively
Now that you know why a company would want to hire a temporary employee, you need to know how to make the onboarding process effective and positive to make your temporary worker feel just at home.
Equip them with the right tools
This is essential, as only some can work effectively with the necessary tools. Giving your employees a welcome kit that includes the equipment they need to do their job not only means that the new worker will have everything they need to start immediately, but it also makes them feel valued and seen.
Treat them as part of the team
Including newcomers in the group is always a good thing. They need to feel that they play a part as important as the rest of the team. This way, they’ll feel more inclined to collaborate and help other permanent workers in their daily tasks, making their time in the company productive and enriching.
Have realistic expectations
There’s always the temptation to expect temporary workers to hit the ground running. However, everyone is human, and there’s only so much one can do to do as well as possible on your first days. So, it’s important to remember that you need to set realistic expectations for your new temporary workers and that they may need assistance from time to time.
Provide orientation and training
As we mentioned above, assistance is very much needed when you are just starting out. Temps are not the exception to this rule. Remember that they are adjusting to a new environment and setting, with new people and a new way of working. So, provide orientation and training if necessary, and be willing to show temporary employees around the company.
Check in with them
Finally, don’t forget to check-in. Changes tend to be stressful, and more so in a medical setting. So be prepared to listen and consider what your new employees say. This way, you can create a positive environment where everyone can feel comfortable and empowered to do their jobs.
Are you ready to hire a temporary employee?
Now that you know how to effectively onboard your new temporary employees, it’s time to hire! We understand that this can seem like a stressful process, but at the end of the day, it all comes down to these few important tips.
