“Over the long term, the number of temporary employees has risen faster than the population, as the temporary workforce has gradually accounted for an increasing number of trained professionals.”
Let that quote from IBISWorld sink in. The cumulative growth of professional temp workers in the U.S. — currently at 3.1 million — outpaces that of our entire population. It’s a trend that verifies just how valued and respected the temporary workforce and contract employees have become across the American job market.
Whether you’re filling a short-term staffing gap, hiring seasonal help, or bringing in specialized expertise, temporary employees are essential to maintaining workforce flexibility. But integrating them into your team — and setting them up for long-term success — can be a unique challenge for any hiring manager or HR leader.
Here’s how to help temp workers thrive from day one:
Define Clear-Cut Expectations
When hiring temporary employees, it’s crucial to establish specific expectations from the outset. Define the job scope, assignment duration, and expected deliverables. Be sure to include this information in the job posting and communicate it clearly during the recruitment process. This is especially important in contract staffing and temp-to-hire roles, where setting clear goals from the beginning helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures alignment between the company and the temporary employee.
Thoroughly Train New Temp Workers
Employee onboarding is vital for every role, but especially for temp workers who are expected to hit the ground running. Temporary employees may not be familiar with your internal processes, software, or industry norms, and they often face a steep learning curve in a short window. Make sure your new hires understand their responsibilities, the company’s expectations, and any relevant workplace procedures or cultural nuances.
If you’re working with a staffing agency or recruiter, align on what pre-training is provided and what needs to happen onsite.
Employ the Buddy System
Pairing a new temp with an experienced team member can dramatically ease their transition. Mentorship provides structure, helps answer day-to-day questions, and builds confidence. It also fosters a sense of belonging — a key component of employee engagement and retention, even in short-term or part-time roles.
Establish Clear Lines of Communication
Effective communication is key to employee productivity, especially in contract or temporary roles. Make sure temp workers know who to report to, how to escalate issues, and how to access important resources. Provide contact details for HR, IT, and department leads, and be proactive in checking in regularly throughout their assignment.
Equip Temps with the Right Tools
From day one, temp workers should have access to the software, equipment, and resources they need to succeed. Whether they’re remote or onsite, onboarding temp employees with the right tools ensures they’re empowered to deliver results — and positions them as valued contributors.
Be Company Culture Inclusive
Temporary workers are part of your team, even if just for a short while. Include them in team meetings, social events, Slack channels, and internal communications. It builds camaraderie and shows that you value their contributions, which can directly impact performance, satisfaction, and the likelihood of long-term retention or conversion to full-time.
Prep Them for Success
Ultimately, the goal of hiring temporary staff should be more than just filling a vacancy — it should be about empowering each person to contribute meaningfully during their time with your company. With the right structure, communication, and culture in place, you can turn temp work into a stepping stone for stronger teams and better business outcomes.
At TalentSpark, we understand that the best temp placements happen when the right structure meets the right strategy. Our temporary staffing services match companies with skilled professionals — in accounting, finance, HR, legal, IT, and admin support — for both onsite and remote assignments. Whether you need help for two weeks or six months, our flexible hiring solutions are built to scale with your needs.
Looking for a temp staffing agency that delivers results? Connect with us now to learn more about our temp and contract recruitment solutions.
