There are so many reasons why you may want to hire temporary staff. All businesses experience a range of changing conditions such as cyclic production demands. There are also efficiency gains with using a staffing agency to handle all aspects of temporary staff. However, your business has to be aware of just how much the temporary staff industry has changed. This is very much in your best interest to minimize risks.
Let’s review some of the ‘myths’ surrounding hiring temporary staff. These ‘myths’ are generally accurate. And it pays to understand them and to play by the rules to better protect your company
MYTH #1 – Your temporary staff workers are completely screened and are the best possible fit
Staffing agencies should determine each candidate’s level of motivation, work ethic and general attitudes. This can be done with a focus on your industry and what your business requires.
Staffing agencies should perform required criminal and general background checks. Also, staffing agencies can avoid future problems by ensuring each candidate has access to reliable transportation. This rule may be ignored if the candidate lives close-by or public transportation is available.
But even though the agency may use all the tools at their disposal, they sometimes may miss the mark on a cultural or quality fit because they just can’t know all the in’s and out’s of your day to day business.
MYTH #2 – Your company will never be held liable because the staffing agency assumes complete responsibility
Are you familiar with the term, ‘employer of record?’ Who carries this designation can make all the difference. Almost since the beginning, temporary staffing agencies were considered the employer of record. In addition, these agencies naturally carried the burden of responsibility in many areas.
But recent legal cases in US courts have found both the staffing agency and the client employer “Co-employers” . Make sure you speak with your staffing agency if you have any specific concerns about being the employer of record.
MYTH #3 – All temporary staff are properly trained and skilled for the positions they are filling
Staffing agencies require job descriptions before they can begin recruiting for any position. The recruiters need to understand the job requirements and skill levels for their employees to be successful. If possible, the agency will test for specific skills so that the best possible candidates are sent to the client.
Staffing agencies cannot test or guarantee every skill level – this is an impossibility. They can trust, and verify – and the client should do the same before putting the new employee to work using a piece of equipment or machinery.
MYTH #4 – You can be sure all staffing agencies send you temporary staff eligible to work in the US
The legal requirement for all US businesses is to only employ workers who are legally eligible for employment. But, there have been criminal prosecutions against agencies that provide illegal workers to clients.
Therefore, confirm that your staffing agency uses the E-Verify system to prevent hiring ineligible temporary staff. You can further increase peace of mind by receiving verification in writing.
MYTH #5 – Temporary staffing can never stain your business reputation
Unfortunately, your business can suffer from negative feedback through no fault of your own. This could arise if the temporary staffing agency treats their employees unfairly.
There are two major points here.
First, temporary staff often associate your business with the staffing agency. So the blame and bad press will extend to you. Second, social media and local word of mouth advertising are powerful and universal. Never assume that anything significant will remain under the rug.
The moral of the story is “buyer beware.”
Here are American Staffing Association tips to choose and work with the best staffing agency for your organization. Look into and observe staffing agencies before selecting one. That can save you time and money, give you peace of mind and result in a lasting business relationship.
Choosing the Temporary Staff and Temporary Staffing Agency You Need
- Shop around
- Evaluate your interaction with different staffing agency managers and recruiters
- Note your impressions
- Understand how the staffing agency recruits and retains its temporary staff
- Ask about their method of screening and testing the workforce
- Make sure the company fully understand your needs
Source: American Staffing Association (ASA)