Temporary staff are essential for managing seasonal peaks, last-minute demands, and operational flexibility. However, attracting and retaining high-quality temporary workers requires targeted strategies. Here are six effective ways to ensure your temporary workforce is engaged, reliable, and happy to keep coming back.
1. Build a reputation as a great place to work
Temporary workers are drawn to employers with strong reputations for valuing their contributions, and generally looking after all staff – temp or perm.
- Share positive experiences: Highlight testimonials from past temporary staff, both on your own website and across company social channels.
- Showcase transparency: Be up front about job expectations, pay, shift patterns, and future opportunities.
- Promote culture: Use platforms like Indeed Flex to demonstrate your commitment to inclusivity and respect.
Tip: A strong employer profile, supported by a solid HR and talent acquisition strategy, can make your business a top choice for high-quality workers.
Why not dig deeper into how you can create a strong employer brand?
2. Streamline recruitment and onboarding
Temporary workers value a quick, efficient process. Streamlining recruitment and onboarding ensures a positive first impression.
- Fast matching: Leverage Indeed Flex’s smart-matching technology for quick connections.
- Clear communication: Provide all role details and expectations up front.
- Prepare for day one: Ensure temporary staff have access to necessary tools and information from the start.
Tip: A smooth talent acquisition process helps build trust and encourages workers to return for future roles, including longer-term contracts.
3. Offer competitive pay and incentives
Compensation is often the top priority for temporary staff. Competitive pay and timely payments go a long way in attracting top talent, as do additional perks and benefits.
- Transparent pay: Clearly list pay rates on platforms like Indeed Flex.
- Timely payments: Prompt payments build trust and reliability.
- Bonuses and incentives: Offer rewards for completing high-demand shifts or consistent performance, just as we do at Indeed Flex.
On the matter of timely payments, at Indeed Flex we allow workers access to Instant Pay, at the end of their shift, giving them another reason to stick with us, and you.
Tip: Incentives, even small ones, can set your roles apart in a competitive HR and talent acquisition market.
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4. Recognise and include temporary staff
Temporary workers perform better when they feel valued and included.
- Acknowledge contributions: Use performance ratings on Indeed Flex to highlight reliability and productivity.
- Encourage feedback: Provide opportunities for workers to share their experiences and act on their input.
- Involve temporary staff: Include them in team briefings or updates to foster a sense of belonging, and include them in team socials too.
Tip: Public recognition and feedback loops are an essential component of a strong total talent acquisition strategy, boosting loyalty and encouraging consistent shift bookings.
5. Provide skill development opportunities
Temporary staff appreciate opportunities to grow, even in short-term roles.
- On-the-job training: Offer learning opportunities during shifts.
- Development pathways: Highlight how high ratings on Indeed Flex can lead to more shifts or higher-paying roles.
- Upskilling: Provide workshops or access to training resources that enhance employability.
Tip: Investing in workforce development strengthens your HR and talent acquisition efforts while ensuring a skilled, reliable workforce for the future.
6. Leverage technology and ratings
Technology can help monitor performance, optimise operations, and build a strong talent pool.
- Performance ratings: Use Indeed Flex’s star rating system to identify top-performing workers and build trust.
- Build a bespoke talent pool: Build your very own talent pool, based on those top performers, so you can pick from the very best workers each time.
- Identify trends: Spot challenges like attendance issues or high-demand periods and address them proactively.
- Optimise scheduling: Use data to refine planning and match roles with the best-suited workers.
Tip: High-performing workers with strong ratings are more likely to return and recommend your organisation.
Final thoughts
Attracting and retaining temporary staff requires a focused approach that values their contributions and supports their needs. By leveraging technology, streamlining processes, offering competitive pay, and recognising their efforts, businesses can build a reliable, motivated temporary workforce. Platforms like Indeed Flex provide the tools to create a seamless experience, ensuring workers are engaged and ready to meet your business demands.
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