Retaining Temporary Employees Matters
High turnover among temporary workers leads to increased hiring costs, lost productivity, and lower workforce satisfaction. A stable workforce, on the other hand, ensures better efficiency, improved morale, and a stronger company reputation. So, how can businesses retain temporary employees and create a workplace where they want to stay? Here’s what works.
1. Offer competitive pay and benefits
Fair wages and meaningful benefits are top motivators for temporary employees. While many companies assume that temp workers are solely focused on short-term income, studies show that financial security and job stability greatly influence retention. Consider offering:
Competitive hourly wages
Performance-based bonuses
Access to healthcare benefits
Paid time off for long-term temps
These incentives not only help retain temporary employees but also boost workforce performance and engagement.
2. Improve workforce satisfaction with better scheduling
Unpredictable scheduling and last-minute changes can frustrate temp workers and lead to high turnover. A reliable scheduling and automated shift planning system makes a difference. The Job&Talent Business platform helps companies plan shifts effectively, ensuring workers have clarity and consistency in their schedules.
To keep employees engaged, offer:
Advance notice of shifts
Flexibility for workers to swap shifts
Digital scheduling tools for easy access
When workers have control over their schedules, they are more likely to keep high attendance rates and remain committed and satisfied with their jobs.
3. Create a positive workplace culture
Temporary workers often feel disconnected from full-time teams. To bridge the gap and motivate and retain your best people:
Foster open communication between managers and temp staff
Encourage teamwork and inclusivity
Recognize and appreciate their contributions
Simple gestures, such as acknowledging hard work and providing small rewards, can significantly improve workforce satisfaction.
4. Provide growth and development opportunities
Temporary employees often leave when they don’t see opportunities for growth. While not all temp jobs lead to full-time positions, offering skill development and career progression can encourage them to stay longer. Consider:
On-the-job training
Career coaching or mentorship programs
Opportunities to transition into permanent roles
Job&Talent Business provides workforce management solutions that help businesses track employee progress and offer relevant training, ultimately improving workforce performance and engagement.
5. Use AI and technology to enhance the employee experience
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming temp staffing by making workforce management more efficient. AI-driven platforms, like Job&Talent Business, optimize hiring, scheduling, and performance tracking. Key benefits include:
Automated shift matching based on worker preferences
AI-driven attendance tracking to improve workforce reliability
Predictive analytics to identify top-performing employees
By leveraging technology, businesses can streamline operations and improve both employer and employee satisfaction.
6. Keep communication clear and transparent
Many temp workers leave because they feel uninformed or undervalued. To improve retention:
Provide clear job expectations from day one
Offer regular feedback and support
Use digital tools for real-time communication
An engaged and well-informed workforce is more likely to stay committed.
7. Recognize and reward high performers
Incentives go a long way in making temporary employees feel valued. Simple ways to recognize hard work include:
Employee of the month programs
Referral bonuses for bringing in new hires
Public recognition in team meetings
Acknowledging achievements helps motivate and retain your best people while fostering a culture of appreciation.
How to retain temporary employees successfully
Retaining temporary employees isn’t just about offering better pay—it’s about creating an environment where they feel valued, engaged, and motivated to stay. By implementing smart scheduling, fostering a positive workplace culture, and leveraging AI-driven workforce management tools, businesses can significantly improve workforce performance and engagement.
Ready to build a more reliable workforce? Learn how Job&Talent Business can help.
