Working with contract hire gives you benefits that full-time employees cannot match. If you’ve finished one project and gearing up for the next, you have the flexibility to add or subtract resources based on the skill sets you need. Utilizing Contract employees affords your business the specialized disciplines for each need quicker while not having to break the bank. However, while these workers are a top solution for many projects, you still need them to perform high without initiating the same process and due diligence as a direct employee.
This requires initial effort but, if done correctly, your contractors will stay loyal and deliver impressive results.
Find the right people for the job.
This sounds like an obvious answer, but it’s especially important when it comes to contract employees. It’s likely you’re hiring for a specific assignment or project and the success hinges on an efficient and quality completion. Write out specific skills and experiences that are needed to align with the type of work you’re looking to complete. Do this with each of your contractors to ensure you have a team that will deliver quality service within your timeframe.
Onboard your contract workforce the same as your full-time employees.
This includes setting clear expectations, objectives, and goals for each position and letting everyone know where they fit in the project’s grander scheme. Track each contractor’s job performance and provide regular feedback, both positive and constructive, just as you would a full-time employee. This keeps them accountable and will improve production if they feel you authentically care about their personal performance.
Lead by example to foster productive customs.
Ultimately, you as the manager determine whether a project will succeed or fail. Model your ideal attitude and work ethic for your workers to live up to your vision. Building and fostering a shared vision among all employee types will encourage them to work cohesively toward any given goal. While contractors won’t be with you permanently, you should do everything you can to make them feel part of the team. If you’re mindful of welcoming them into your culture, your full team will deliver results that surpass your expectations.
In closing,
Investing time with your contract employees may not always provide a clear ROI. However, the sustainability impact to an organization to retain top talent, build loyalty and show that the organization is committed to the employee’s long-term development can be good value when considering replacement costs, lost productivity and loss of tacit knowledge.