Many companies are today rethinking their strategies and incorporating flexible staffing to help cut overhead costs and survive this current economic slump. While most organisations appreciate the flexibility and cost savings of hiring temporary employees, few companies give much thought to motivating their temporary workforce.

Kelly Chief Operating Officer, Gayleen Baxter, warns that this neglect may have serious consequences down the line. She explains: “Failing to involve temporary employees in motivational schemes could drag down the performance of the entire team, as they will not be focused on achieving the same goals.”

Baxter reminds us that motivation is key to bringing out the best in employees, while at the same time helps reduce the attrition rate. She says it therefore goes without saying that motivating temporary employees will also reflect on their performance, and ultimately, on staff morale and productivity.

“Motivating the temporary employee, however, does not come without its challenges, and requires a different framework to managing the permanent workforce,” warns Baxter.

Fortunately, there are several simple steps a company can take to motivate temporary employees, particularly those that are more long term, as Baxter explains: “Key to what motivates people is being part of a team and working well together, so making temporary employees feel that they're connected to more than just the job in front of them is critical.”

To keep morale high, Baxter recommends the following:

• Give temporary employees some kind of orientation about the company so they know where they fit in. Equally as important, let temporary employees know what's expected of them and what they can expect from the job and the company.

• Let them know that their performance affects the big picture and try to inform them as far as possible on ongoing company knowledge that may affect them.

• All employees, whether permanent or temporary, like to be told they're doing a good job. The biggest thing is to be appreciated and treated fairly. So praise temporary employees for good work - a simple gesture which will see you reap in the rewards.

• Give temporary employees the resources they need to be productive.

• Communicate! Check in regularly with long-term temporary employees to make sure they understand the assignment and are not having problems. Keep them up-to-date on their performance and offer them feedback to encourage improvement.

Finally, Baxter says the responsibility to motivate temporary staff rests not only with the company, but also the staffing agency: “Motivating temporary staff is a partnership between the company and the staffing agency. It is up to the company to provide a positive work environment, while the staffing agency can facilitate training and offer better career aspirations.

It is therefore extremely important that when selecting a staffing agency to partner with, you select an agency that is empathetic and involved, one that values its staff as an asset to be nurtured rather than simply a commodity to be sold.”

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