Many companies are short on talent with demand increasing. If this sounds familiar, what can you do? The easy answer is staff augmentation.
In short, staff augmentation enables you to increase your workforce through the use of temporary, temp-to-hire or contract workers. You can hire the people you need, where and when you need them, without adding to your overhead. Once the project is over or demand is on the decline, you can simply let your staffing agency know, so the workers are re-assigned.
So what are some ways to manage a team that’s augmented? Here are some factors to consider:
Choose the right staffing partner.
When it comes to augmenting your staff, it’s best to work with an agency that can handle the screening and hiring, along with taxes, payroll and administrative tasks for you. This way, the process is as easy and stress-free as possible. Make sure whichever agency you do choose to work with has experience in your industry and is a good fit for your needs.
Identify your needs.
When it comes to staffing, are their certain skill sets or positions you’re always looking for? What seasons are your peak periods and when do you slow down? What’s unique or different about your culture and important to communicate to a staffing agency? Think about these and other important factors that can impact your staffing needs, then communicate it to your agency. The more they know, the more effective their services will be.
Prepare your full-time staff.
Don’t augment your staff without giving your full-time workers a head’s up. Explain why you’re bringing in temporary employees and that their jobs are not in jeopardy. Talk about what you expect and need from each one, in terms of helping temporary workers getting up and running. The better you prepare your team, the easier the transition will be.
On-board your temporary workers.
Just because workers are temporary doesn’t mean they don’t need to be onboarded. You might not offer as much training or onboarding, but it’s still critical to ensure they’re welcomed and onboarded properly. This will help them feel like a part of the team and get them off to a more successful start with your company.
Are you looking for a partner to augment your staff?
Consider Provisional Recruiting. As a leading staffing provider serving the Northwest, we have access to a robust pipeline of talent. We can find the skilled individuals you need on a temporary or temp-to-hire basis in a range of industries. Contact us today to learn more.