The Ultimate Summer Survival Guide for Managers: How to Find and Schedule the Best Temp Staff Without Losing Your Cool!

While summertime conjures up images of a relaxing poolside or jetting off on a long holiday for most, summer can be a challenging time for managers. The increase in employee annual leave requests can cause potential disruptions to company operations. There is even an increasing demand for jobs with ‘summer hours’, where employees are contracted for fewer hours during the summer months. Without adequate staffing, these seasonal pressures can lead to reduced productivity, increased workload for remaining employees, and potential customer service issues which can tarnish a business’s reputation. 

Finding and scheduling quality temporary staff can help ensure that a business runs smoothly during busy summer months, reduce disruptions to operations, and maintain high levels of customer service. Among the benefits of hiring seasonal staff are: 

• Flexibility  
• Cost-effectiveness  
• Access to diverse skill sets 
• The potential for transitioning staff to full-time employment 

However, the pressures of summer scheduling and competition from other employers mean that if you are considering using temporary staff to help cover staffing gaps then it’s time to start searching for the best candidates now!
 

How to find the best temporary staff for your needs

Locating quality temporary staff for your seasonal recruitment can prove difficult. Managing multiple staffing channels such as job boards and social media, and finding the time and resources to connect with potential candidates at events or through your personal networks can put a strain on you and your HR team. 

Staffing agencies, like Australasian Recruitment Company, specialise in sourcing and recruiting qualified candidates for short-term assignments, allowing you to fill staffing gaps quickly and efficiently. We can offer a wide pool of candidates with a diverse range of skill sets and experience, making it easier to find the right fit for the job. Our consultants have experience with managing payroll and benefits, freeing up your time and resources during the busy summer season.   

Tips for creating a summer staffing plan that maximises efficiency and minimises disruptions

When scheduling summer temporary staff, it’s important for employers to consider several key factors.

Firstly, managing holiday requests can be a challenge, so it’s important to establish a clear policy and timeline for submitting requests. Encouraging your employees to take their full allowance of annual leave is important for their health and wellbeing, yet less than 62% of workers took their full holiday allowance in 2022. 

Secondly, ensuring adequate coverage is crucial to avoid disruptions to business operations, so employers should carefully assess staffing needs and create a flexible staffing plan that allows for unexpected absences or changes.  

To maximise efficiency, consider staggered shifts or hiring cross-trained temps who can perform multiple roles. You can also put in place strategies that will help you get the most out of your temporary staff while they are with you.
 

5 ways to get the most from your summer temps

Getting the most out of summer staff requires good communication, the provision of ongoing support, and a positive work environment. By fostering a positive workplace culture that offers clear expectations, recognition and opportunity, employers can encourage productivity and loyalty from their summer workforce. This can lead to better outcomes for both the business and temporary employees with the potential bonus of creating a pool of temporary staff who want to return to work for you again and again! 

Our tips for creating an environment that gets the most from temporary staff are:
 

 1. Create a welcome or onboarding pack with everything they need to know
Having a welcome or onboarding pack prepared with key information about the job, company culture and expectations can help temporary staff feel more comfortable and confident in their role and help them quickly get started on any tasks leading to better job performance.

Preparing this information in advance means that temporary staff will have clear guidelines and support from the start which reduces the need for ad hoc assistance from other employees meaning a smoother transition for everyone involved.
 

 2. Schedule regular check ins to monitor progress
When working with temporary staff it is important to monitor progress and provide adequate support. Regular scheduled check ins ensure they have the necessary resources and information to succeed, while also addressing any concerns or questions they may have. Consistent communication can also help foster a positive relationship and encourage a sense of inclusion within the workplace. 

 3. Build connections between full-time and temporary staff
Speaking of inclusion, building connections between full-time and temporary staff can be beneficial for creating a positive workplace culture and improving productivity. By fostering a sense of community, temporary staff can feel more valued and invested in their work. Set up opportunities for the two groups to socialise and be sure to include temporary staff in office communications and events.
 

 4. Look for ways to encourage and motivate
Encouraging and motivating temp staff can be achieved by finding ways to make their tasks satisfying and meaningful. This can be done by providing tasks that can be completed within the timeframe of their assignment and showing how their work contributes to the wider team or business goals. You can also offer other forms of recognition or incentives to show appreciation for their hard work and contribution to the business.
 

 5. Create lasting relationships
Providing a positive experience for your temporary staff can help to build a pool of reliable temps who are willing to work with the company in the future, help you establish a positive reputation in the temp staffing network, and even potentially lead to the transition of skilled temps into full-time roles. By investing in the success of temporary staff, businesses can benefit from their skills and expertise over the long-term. 

Looking for seasonal business support and administrative staff?

Australasian Recruitment Company can help! We have over 20 years’ experience connecting employers with the seasonal and temporary business support staff they need to meet their goals. 

Contact us today to discuss your requirements and we can source the staff you need, we can even help you find temporary staff who can start today!