So what is the true value of temp staff?

Companies of all sizes are seeing how beneficial temporary workers can be in driving their business forward. We have seen a broad array of our clients gain considerable forward momentum from hiring highly skilled temporary staff, from start-ups through to global corporate companies. If you are working with a high touch consultancy, such as C&C, the bank of temporary workers on our books gives open access to a large pool of skilled and diverse employees, and they can be as crucial to company success as their permanent counterparts.

According to PWC’s Future of Work report, 46% of HR professionals expect at least 20% of their workers to be temporary by 2022. This interim workforce is found in all industries, at all levels and in all positions; from junior support positions through to operational functions. If you’re not using temps, you’re potentially missing out on a valuable addition to your company tool kit.

For C&C, our temporary candidates are made up of 60% of those on working holiday visas or career temps – this allows our clients the reassurance that our temps are free for a guaranteed period of time and will not suddenly need to leave for interviews/permanent position.

Why hire temps?

Speed

Temps can be quick to fill a role in an emergency. Whether there is a sudden rush on a project or a full-time staff member is sick, temps can come in almost immediately. We have seen requests for a position at nine am and having someone filling the empty desk in under an hour. That’s pretty attractive, considering hiring permanent employees can be a lengthy process, a much bigger investment and allow less flexibility should business demands change. The speed of hire at which a temporary worker can be hired often can we the difference between success and failure on a project deliverable or the continuity needed for growth in an unexpected set of events. Whether you have a short-term position or a sudden need for cover, hiring a temp ensures that time isn't wasted. Great temps are the superheroes of the employment industry.

Value

When your company is in its infancy or you are working to a tight budget, staffing costs can seem insurmountable. Hiring a temp through a reputable agency is a highly cost effective way of hiring. We take care of all of the critical parts of the employment process before you contact us including; interviewing, screening and skill checking/ testing. We interview all our temps for an hour and this with thorough referencing and background checking allows us to know instinctively which candidates will be a perfect fit when you contact us. Thereafter we take care of contracts (temporary staff on PAYE schemes are employees of C&C over your business), payroll and compliance obligations (working time directive) leaving you to just focus on ensuring you meet your business needs.

Flexibility

Temporary workers give you a huge amount of flexibility. Your permanent work force is aware they are hired as a temporary employee so if something doesn’t quite fit with a temp, they can move on with less disruption. When you hire a temp, you are making no promises for the future; this can ease the transition for both of you. This allows you to have a flexible work-force that suits the demands of your business and allows you to have a tighter control on one the largest parts of most business costs, the employees.

A fresh perspective

Even the most diligent workers can suffer from a loss of focus. When we drive the same route every day we often go into autopilot and can’t remember the journey. When we see the same thing day in day out we can stop seeing it for what it is. The same thing often happens with our staff. A temp worker can offer a brand new and fresh perspective on situations and projects, which can create a different way of doing things or bring new energy to old problems. New eyes are valuable, whether striving for innovation or shaking up an established routine.

Insight

Using a traditional approach to employment might mean you miss the perfect candidate. When you don’t see the required qualification or experience on their CV, you pass them over. But this person could be everything you need and more, except their CV doesn’t reflect that. By knowing your business we can identify the best person for that role, over someone who ticks skill-set boxes and this insider knowledge gives you access to a much wider pool of suitable candidates. Moreover in some circumstances, through hiring a temp the client often can make a full-time offer, such has been the success of the temp employment.

 How to get the best temps

Where?

Temps can be invaluable in all areas of your company, but you need to really think about where they can most benefit you. Make a list of all the areas you are considering temporary staff. Short term temps might be needed for sickness cover or to help out during a particularly busy period. Long term temporary staff can take the pressure off when looking for a permanent employee. Being clear about your needs will help you find the right agency and the right temporary staff.

From who?

Look for a staffing firm who have a solid reputation, who take pride in their employees, who have the correct procedures in place and most importantly really look after their candidates (C&C prides itself on our reputation for exceptional candidate care). The best agencies will be very thorough in their recruitment process and able to match the exact candidate with your position. Ask us or your regular agency about how and where they find their candidates and what they do to test them. Ensure you understand their process, how exactly they recruit and how long you can expect the process to take. Do not accept second best – we expect to work really hard to find the very best candidates available on the market.

It is all about relationships!

Fostering a great working relationship with your agency is essential in getting the most out of your temporary staff. Work with an agency who values you as a business partner and doesn’t treat you as just another client. Having a great working relationship with your recruitment agency will help you communicate your needs better, and ensure that they know exactly who you are as a company. This will enable them to send not only the most qualified candidate, but also the candidate that fits best within your company ethos.

Inclusivity…

Being a temp can feel quite isolating. It is easy to feel like you are on the outside looking in. This can mean that you don’t get the very best work from your temp, or create a negative working environment for the entire team. Take the time to get to know your temporary staff, show them around and encourage them to feel comfortable within the work space. Creating a much more inclusive team and a better atmosphere will ensure all your staff, both temporary and permanent, are happier and at their most efficient. Temps can be a wonderful PR machine for your company!

The temporary staff market is growing in popularity. Far from being a bank of workers who are looking for short term ‘filler’ work, many highly skilled and experienced people are choosing temporary work because they value the flexibility and, like you, are looking for their perfect fit. Look out for our next article which is with one of our exceptional, Board level career temps.

Don’t underestimate the power temps can have to transform your company. The right temp can save you money, invigorate your business and find you incredible talent you would otherwise have missed. Whether you are a start-up or SME, temporary workers are an immensely valuable investment.

Lucy Chamberlain

Founder -  02034753885