What do you do if your industrial design team is heavily reliant on temporary and contract workers?

1 Assess Needs

Before taking any action, it's important to assess your team's current and future needs. Consider the specific skills and expertise that your full-time team lacks and which are often sourced from temporary or contract workers. Determine if these needs are short-term or if there's a recurring pattern that suggests a permanent role might be necessary. This assessment will help you understand the extent of your reliance on external workers and guide you in developing a more strategic approach to staffing.

2 Streamline Onboarding

When you bring in temporary or contract workers, having a streamlined onboarding process is vital. This should include a clear introduction to your company's culture, work processes, and the specific project they will be working on. Ensure that all necessary tools and access to information are provided from day one. A well-structured onboarding process can significantly reduce ramp-up time and help these workers become productive members of the team more quickly.

3 Foster Integration

Integration of temporary and contract workers into your existing team is crucial for a harmonious and efficient work environment. Promote open communication and encourage your full-time staff to view these workers as valuable contributors. Assign mentors or buddies who can provide guidance and help them navigate the company landscape. This not only benefits the project at hand but also helps build a network of skilled professionals who may be valuable for future projects.

4 Manage Expectations

Clear communication about expectations and deliverables is essential when working with temporary and contract workers. Define the scope of work, deadlines, and quality standards at the outset. Provide regular feedback and be open to their input as well. Managing expectations not only ensures that your project stays on track but also helps in establishing trust and a sense of ownership among all team members.

5 Evaluate Performance

Evaluating the performance of temporary and contract workers is as important as evaluating your full-time staff. Set clear performance indicators related to the project's goals and review their contributions regularly. This not only helps in ensuring that your project's objectives are met but also aids in identifying which temporary workers could be potential candidates for future roles or permanent positions within your team.

6 Plan Ahead

Lastly, planning ahead is key to reducing over-reliance on temporary and contract workers. Based on your needs assessment, consider developing a talent pool of reliable contractors and investing in training for your full-time staff to fill skill gaps. Look into cross-training opportunities and succession planning to build a more resilient and versatile team. By anticipating future project needs and preparing accordingly, you can create a more stable and efficient workforce.