In the quest for higher productivity rates and results, major corporations and small to medium size businesses are increasingly relying on temporary support to either substitute or augment their workforce. These just-in-time workers may also be hired to full-time posts if needed and depending on whether their performance is satisfactory during the term in which they are utilized. Their services are obtained in one of two ways: as direct hires or through a temp agency.
The following is a list of concerns stated by a sample of temporary workers in one survey described by Dressler in the text Human Resource Management. 1. “Treated by employers in a dehumanizing, impersonal, and ultimately discouraging way.” It is important for corporations to take the time to recognize and make their employees aware that although temp workers may not be around in the long-term, they are still contributing to the company and for the benefit of everyone who has a full-time position. 2. Insecure about their employment and pessimistic about the future.” Contingent Workers may find it beneficial to mail out resumes to various prospective employers during their term of service and interview at a multitude of locations. 3. “Worried about their lack of insurance and pension benefits.” The Obama administration is currently working with both houses of Congress to craft a comprehensive universal health care plan. 4. “Misled about their job assignments and in particular about whether temporary assignments were likely to become full-time positions.” Workers may want to candidly discuss the possibilities of future employment during the interview process. 5. “Underemployed.” Depending on the state of the economy, it may take quite a while for those returning to the workforce to obtain a suitable full-time position. 6. “In general angry toward the corporate world and its values; participants repeatedly expressed feelings of alienation and disenchantment.” Workers should be aware that the goal of the corporation is to create shareholder wealth and serve their customers efficiently and effectively.
As author Frederick Levy states in his text Hollywood 101, highlighting the ins and outs of the media & entertainment industry, the key to a successful temp opportunity through an agency is to learn as much about the different areas of a particular business as possible. Moving from job to job paves the way for additions of industry contacts and beneficial networking. While rotating between assignments, circumstances may cause a person to arrive at a department that is the right fit at the right time, with like-minded individuals, and thus lead to a full-time post waiting to be filled.