Best practices for hiring and retaining temporary workers in Canada

Temporary workers are an asset for organizations that want to adapt to shifting demands. And are invaluable to industries like construction and IT, which have project-based demands and retail and agricultural businesses during  peak season.

Dealing with workload surges, market fluctuations and time-sensitive projects are where temporary workers thrive but while there are many benefits to temporary employment, the hiring process itself isn’t without its own set of challenges.

Attracting qualified staff and adhering to legal requirements are all hurdles to cross but retaining temporary workers is often the biggest challenge.

Staff are drawn to temporary jobs because of their flexibility, but many are also drawn to the stability of a full-time role. So, read on as we delve into the best practices for hiring and retaining temporary employees.

Recruitment strategies for hiring temporary workers

As an employer, you want to hire the right applicants, but how do you go about recruiting temporary workers for your business?

The first step is to utilize specialized staffing agencies, online platforms, and industry-specific job boards. This will give you instant access to a pool of qualified temporary workers who have experience in your industry. Posting a vacancy on a job board is also another simple way to attract qualified workers to your roles.

Building a strong employer brand is also crucial as it helps you attract top temporary talent. In fact, according to research by Linkedin, 72% of recruiting leaders worldwide agree that an employer's brand has a significant impact on hiring.

So, focusing on building a brand reputation that establishes your business as a great place to work, will make you an attractive option for temporary workers seeking a positive employee experience.

A well-regarded brand gives you a higher chance of not only recruiting talent but retaining it. A well-built brand will also give you a competitive advantage in the current market and reduce your hiring costs in the long run.

Networking and referrals can also play a key role in recruiting temporary workers. It can lead to a higher quality of candidates and give you access to passive candidates who may not be  actively looking for work but are open to opportunities. Networking is a huge part of building connections and can be the foundation for a steady pipeline of talent.

Onboarding and training your temporary workers

Once you have recruited temporary workers, it’s time to successfully onboard them and train them, giving them the tools necessary to excel in their roles.

The importance of a comprehensive onboarding process can't be understated as it will not only ensure employees are more productive from the offset, but it increases job satisfaction and leads to employees feeling valued and supported in their roles.

A thorough onboarding and training procedure is the best way to communicate vital information to employees such as safety procedures, company policies and communication of job expectations. Doing this will integrate temporary employees into the workplace environment and ensure they feel part of the team.

How to manage temporary workers effectively

Temporary workers can feel like spare parts and often  managing them effectively  falls by the wayside as companies don’t put as much time or effort into their temporary staff.

Here are several strategies to ensure temporary workers are managed effectively:

• Open lines of communication: Maintain communication with temporary workers and encourage them to check in regularly which will help build rapport and ensure they feel supported.

• Performance management: Establish clear performance metrics to evaluate the contributions of temporary workers and provide constructive feedback.

• Foster inclusion: Managing temporary workers effectively involves creating an inclusive workplace environment that fosters the inclusion of temporary staff. Encourage all staff including temporary staff to get involved in team meetings, social events and other company activities.

Advanced shift scheduling software can make managing temporary workers and their schedules simple.

Retention strategies for temporary workers

If you have secured top talent in the form of temporary workers, you will likely want to retain them. So, how can you enhance the experience of temporary workers and ensure they remain engaged?

Here are a few tried and tested retention strategies you can use:

• Recognition programs: Peer-to-peer recognition programs can create a supportive workplace culture and help to foster camaraderie among team members both permanent and temporary.

• Training programs: Implementing skill development opportunities for temporary workers is one way to retain talent. This could take the form of webinars, workshops, certifications and mentorship programs.

• Thorough onboarding procedures: Provide an enhanced experience right from the start with a comprehensive onboarding process.

Making temporary workers feel valued will result in positive and long-lasting business relationships.

Legal considerations when hiring a temporary worker

So, what are the legal considerations to consider? It is crucial to adhere to employment standards and occupational health and safety regulations when hiring and managing temporary workers and seasonal workers.

When hiring temporary workers in Canada, there is a legal framework to follow:

• Understanding work permits and visas: Familiarize yourself with the types of permits, application processes and eligibility requirements.

• Temporary vs permanent: It is crucial to classify workers from the offset as misclassification can often result in penalties or fines.

• Wage and hour laws: Ensure that temporary workers are paid the minimum wage and be aware of overtime regulations that may apply.

Navigating the legal considerations is essential when hiring temporary employees, and as an employer, you must familiarize yourself with relevant labour laws regarding hiring temporary workers.

Given the complexity of these laws, it is advisable to consult with employment relation experts to navigate the work visa, permit application process and all the other complexities of working with temporary staff.

Get help with temporary employment from BrightHR

Successfully hiring and managing temporary workers in Canada involves understanding legal frameworks, compliance with labour laws and implementing best practices to create a positive work environment.

Investing in HR software can simplify hiring and managing temporary workers. You can also benefit from around-the-clock confidential advice from HR experts on a range of topics to ensure you are compliant. Book a demo to see how BrightHR can help.