When the Temporary Worker Asks: “Who Do I REALLY Work For?”
Posted August 1st, 2011
Temporary workers are a big help to a company most of the time. Sometimes there are problems, however, and when there are, they usually fall into one of three areas.
The first is when the manager does not clearly spell out the worker’s status, which causes the worker to believe he or she may end up with a permanent position, when that is not the case.
The second is when the contingent worker starts to become more attached to the contracting company than the staffing firm and he or she becomes frustrated when not treated like a regular employee.
The third is when the duties of the assignment change from what was originally expected, and the worker feels as if he or she is being taken advantage of.
These pitfalls can be avoided, however, if the proper precautions are taken.
To avoid the misapprehension of permanent employment, both the staffing service and the client company need to be very clear up front about what the relationship is between the worker and the client. Both the staffing firm and client company need to deliver the same message.
Most staffing services have orientation booklets that spell out the duties and responsibilities of the worker, the service and the client company. This can help to head off problems before they arise, and also establish some guidelines for the worker as to what he or she can expect. Staffing officials recommend that the employment arrangements be put in writing to avoid any confusion.
Also, the client company’s human resources department needs to get involved and communicate to managers so that they are aware of the company’s policies and practices relating to hiring and temporary employees.
To avoid confusion about who the temporary staffer is working for, you need to keep in mind that the staffing service needs to address the concerns of the worker, not your managers.
When the worker is at his or her new location within your firm, it is important that you work to make sure connections between the worker and the staffing service are not disturbed. Sometimes, after the worker has started the assignment, he or she no longer hears from the service, and then begins to treat your company as the employer. To help maintain the connection between the staffing service and the temporary worker, make sure your company uses services that make it a point to maintain close ties with their workers.
To avoid a situation where job duties change unexpectedly, leaving the worker frustrated, it is important that you continually reevaluate the worker’s situation and what he or she is doing.
If your firm is looking for reliable and skilled workers in the construction, manufacturing, green scientific, high tech, and managed services arena in the San Francisco area, contact us, Bayside Solutions. We know where to find these tough-to-source professionals. Contact us today?.
