More and more companies today are using contingent workers – temporary workers and independent contractors – as a way of controlling costs. Companies see contingent workers as a way of controlling staffing so that it mirrors production needs more closely, a way of keeping the company flexible to handle change, especially in a bumpy economy.
But, generally, contingent workers are viewed as outsiders, second-class citizens within the organization. When it comes to contingent staff, management is more concerned about making sure the company adheres to legal guidelines so that the workers are not misclassified as full-time.
But business analyst Ed Frauenheim argues that this thinking is misguided, that companies, if they really want to get the most out of their contingent workforce and improve the company’s productivity, need to take a different perspective.
Companies need to embrace their contingent staffers. You need to make your company a welcoming place for freelancers and independent contractors. Doing this is merely acting out of self-interest – by creating the right atmosphere for your contingent workers, you will attract the best and the brightest. You will become the employer of choice.
The rules for attracting the best talent hold true for contingent workers just the same as full-time workers. If you want the best people, you have to pay them well, manage them well, and inspire them, Frauenheim says. You shouldn’t try to cut corners, to try and get away with paying the lowest rate possible, and your company should work only with staffing firms that treat their contingent workers well.
And you do need to manage them well, to set clear goals and expectations, so that they know what they need to do.
And it couldn’t hurt to get them more involved in your business planning and strategy, to get their input on things. Many contingents today are well-educated individuals with a lot of business experience, and it couldn’t hurt to tap this expertise. It will make them feel more valued, more a part of the company, rather than just a hired hand.
Your company should do everything it can to try and erase that second-class citizen stigma from contingent workers if you want to get their best effort and make your company more productive.
When you’re looking for skilled and reliable contingent/temporary staff for your New York City company, contact Winston Resources. We can source, vet and place great workers for your long- and short-term temporary needs. We look forward to hearing how we may be of service.
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