Hiring temporary employees can be a smart move to manage workload spikes, special projects, or seasonal demands. But bringing on the wrong temp can cause more harm than good—leading to unexpected costs and business disruptions.
Below are a few common mistakes when companies hire temporary employees, along with tips to avoid them:
1. Rushing the hiring process
When you’re under pressure to fill a role quickly, it’s easy to rush the process. But skipping steps—like thoroughly vetting candidates—can lead to hiring someone who lacks the right skills or doesn’t mesh with your team’s culture. Taking a bit more time at the beginning can prevent major issues later. Start by creating a clear, accurate job description and making sure candidates align with the role’s requirements. It also helps to use interview scorecards or evaluation rubrics to keep the process consistent and objective.
2. Skipping onboarding
Temp workers are still part of your team. Assuming they don’t need onboarding just because they’re temporary can lead to confusion and missed expectations. You can work off a streamlined version of your regular onboarding process. This helps temps hit the ground running and integrate quickly.
3. Lack of communication
Regular check-ins and clear communication channels are just as important for temp workers as they are for full-time staff. Keep them in the loop, set clear goals, and ensure they know who to turn to when they have questions. Having similar accountability as full-time direct hires ensures the temp employees to stay on track and understand their roles are key.
4. No plan for continuity
Sometimes things don’t work out. Having a backup plan in place—whether it’s a pipeline of candidates or cross-trained team members—can help you avoid workflow disruptions if a temp leaves early or isn’t the right fit. Having a replacement in your back pocket will help you to minimize their departure.
While missteps are common, they’re entirely avoidable. Hiring temps can be cost-effective and efficient only if the right foundation is in place. A little planning goes a long way in making sure your temporary hires truly support your business goals.