Top 5 Tips to Successfully Onboard Temporary Employees

Much like the process for new permanent employees, the process to onboard new temporary employees serves to welcome and acclimate them to the company. While often shorter and less complicated, it is no less critical to success.

Effective onboarding can help temporary employees feel more confident and comfortable. Here are some tried-and-true tips for successful onboarding of temporary employees:

Have a plan to welcome your temporary employee

Welcoming your temporary employee involves thoughtful planning before they even begin. Be sure to inform supervisors and coworkers that a temp will be starting. Don’t forget to share their name and start date. Ensure the temporary employee has a dedicated place to work. Streamline the process by having necessities like keys or paperwork ready to be completed.

On their start date, take the time to show your temporary employee around the building, not just their workspace. It is always stressful starting a job somewhere new. You can ease the stress by making sure they know where the bathroom is located, when and where they can take lunch, and introducing them to coworkers.

Communication is key

Explain company guidelines thoroughly, allowing time for the temp to ask any questions. Be sure to cover workplace safety, dress code, and procedures unique to your company. Let them know who they can turn to if they have job-related questions later and provide contact information. Be sure to check in with your temporary employee during the onboarding process to review the company’s goals and how the temporary employee is fitting in.

Buddy up

Temporary employees often have questions about company culture in addition to job-related questions. Consider pairing the temp with a coworker to serve as a mentor or buddy. While this may happen naturally on the job, knowing there is someone specific to turn to can help make this process smoother for more introverted employees.

Equip them with tools for success
Because your temporary employee needs to jump in quickly, they will need to process a lot of information in a short amount time. Help them by providing the tools they need to get the job done and editing out extraneous details. Having checklists, written instructions, or procedural manuals as reference can speed up the learning process and help the employee get the work done more efficiently.

Let them know they matter

Temporary employees are often underappreciated for their contributions to the workplace. Be sure they understand that their work is important and a vital part of your operation, even if it’s for a limited time.

Temporary employees fulfill an important role for your company, whether covering an employee’s leave, providing extra support during a busy period, or adding a new skill to your workforce. Help them do their best work by providing the support they need right from the start.

Our staffing experts can help
TriStarr has been connecting good people with top employers in southcentral Pennsylvania since 1989. Our full-service staffing and recruitment agency, based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, provides HR solutions as well as candidate search for temp, temp-to-hire, and direct hire placements. Learn more by contacting our team of hiring experts online or by calling us at 717-560-2111.