Hiring Temporary Workers Successfully

Evaluate Your Needs
First step is to consider your staffing needs.
Do you need a part-time or full-time temporary worker? This will depend on the nature of the work and type of assignment or project to be fulfilled.
Consider your expectations so you know what skill level is required to fulfill the role.

Advertise Widely and Creatively.
There are of course many options available to advertise for employees including media (newspapers, radio), internet sites and social media (twitter, linkedIn, Facebook).
There are many advantages in using an external recruiting company which substantially reduces the administrative burden of direct hiring. Temporary workers acquired in this way are sourced, referenced and paid by the recruiting agency. Good recruiters will have extensive experience in recruiting temporary staff and will often have prior knowledge of suitable candidates.

Follow the Laws
Treat employees fairly and follow all federal and state laws. You still have responsibilities for workers hired through an agency, know what these are and be aware of them before hiring. A good recruiting agency will alert you to these when contacting personnel.

Using a Recruiter
Use the guide below for questions you should ask.
a) Sight current certificates of insurance for workers' compensation and liability.
b) Do they have a OH & S policy?
c) Do they check on the progress of their temporary workers?
d) How do they recruit the temporary workers?
e) What mechanisms and guarantees are in place if the temporary workers do not meet expectations?
f) What is the time frame in providing temporary workers?

Engaging a Temporary Worker
Treat them as part of the team and not as an "outsider."
Complete a proper induction program and clearly explain their roles and responsibilities.
This will make them feel connected and be productive in a shorter time frame.
Ensure they have the adequate tools and knowledge from the outset to ensure the engagement is a successful one.