Too many people do not give temps enough credit for what they can do for their companies. You may see them as an unnecessary expenditure or simply as a space-filler. In reality, utilizing temps can help your company in many ways.
Transitions
Temps will help your company when it comes time for transitioning from one permanent employee to another. You can hire them to come in for a set amount of time or even for an indefinite amount of time during a transition. If you have not found someone to fill a permanent position but cannot leave a vacancy, temps are a perfect way to keep things running smoothly.
Efficiency
Temps are most often used for their impeccable efficiency. Many are hired on for a few weeks to come into a company and make some changes in the way the company organizes; or they can be used for their phone, filing, word processing, and basic office skills to free up the other members of the company for other tasks.
Mundane
One aspect of the efficiency that temps can help provide for a company is in completing the mundane tasks so the permanent employees can complete their more pressing responsibilities. Many temps have strong office skills and can multi-task so they are invaluable to companies who need to quickly reorganize or get the mundane out of the way.
Minute Man
Another benefit of temps is they are immediately available and you may request them at a moment’s notice. If you are in a pinch and need help right away, you can always call on temps to fill in for any need you might have. The constant availability of service is a comfort to any company.
Money-savers
Temps are an economical move for your company. If you want to save money, they are definitely a good choice for your budget. A few of the reasons you can save so much money by hiring on temps is because temps are usually paid less than your regular employees. You may either pay them a lump sum for the entire job or you may pay them a certain amount per hour. The other money-saving aspect of temps is that you do not have to pay for benefits for your temps.
Give Them an Audition
If you are in need of someone permanently, temps may be the way to go for a start. Many temps can be used on a temp-to-hire basis. They will work for you for about three months and then if they work well in your company and you are pleased with their work, you can choose to hire them on to your staff as a permanent employee. This gives you the chance to see them in action before making a final decision on employment.
How to Find One
Register with a local temp agency. Most temp agencies have a rigorous screening process for their applicants, including tests on word processing, spreadsheets, spelling, data entry and any specialties. When you are in need of a temp, the agency will match your needs with several possible applicants. Many times you will get to see the applicants’ scores and credentials, as well. Then you choose the temp for you.
By D. Blair Thompson