Human resource management is a complex endeavor. It often requires HR managers to make difficult decisions about which tasks to prioritize.
“When you work in HR, you must deal with compliance issues, employee benefits, performance management and workplace safety, among other important matters that pertain to existing employees,” says David Lockhart, Senior Vice President at Nesco Resource. “This makes it very difficult to devote meaningful time to one of the most important functions of a business — recruiting new employees.”
A growing number of companies are turning to temp staffing companies to boost HR departments’ ability to recruit efficiently. “Staffing companies can help HR managers identify qualified candidates, do the preliminary screening and testing and then present the client with a select group of candidates for a final review,” Lockhart says. “These are professionals who understand client staffing requirements and can manage the other components of this process that clients can’t perform as quickly or efficiently.”
In this article, we’ll discuss the role a temp staffing agency can play in recruiting. We’ll also discuss other roles they can serve to help HR departments operate more effectively.
What Risks Can Be Minimized by Working with a Temp Staffing Company to Make New Hires?
Companies are often unaware of the policies and procedures that need to be followed when it comes to conducting background checks, drug tests, interviews, and other screening processes that occur during recruitment. When the rules are not followed, it can create legal problems for both the HR department and the business.
However, this is what temp staffing professionals do for a living. Not only are they recruiting on a continuous basis to identify qualified candidates, but they are also constantly aware of government requirements regarding how those rules are changing. This includes questions that cannot be asked during an interview and what screenings can be done.
It is not the temp staffing agency’s role to make sure a client is compliant. Rather, the company is a consultant that can point out areas where there might be an issue and help the client partner with an employment law specialist who can ensure compliance.
With regard to the actual recruiting, temp staffing companies can help HR departments identify characteristics for an ideal candidate and then find only qualified matches. If an HR manager goes out on their own to recruit for a position, he or she will likely post an ad and get a number of candidates who aren’t qualified for the open position.
This manager will waste a great deal of time reviewing candidates who aren’t a good fit for that company. The role of a temp staffing agency is to meet with the client, understand its needs, and do all the other functions in the background check.
Why Are Some Companies Reluctant to Outsource the Recruiting Process?
Many employers aren’t aware that they have issues. They are hiring people the same way that they have been for years without realizing their process has serious problems.
For example, a lot of companies use other people in the organization to conduct interviews either out of necessity or a desire to have the candidate spend time with other people in the business. This presents a risk, as mentioned earlier, that inappropriate questions may be asked during the interview.
Temporary employment agencies handle the pre-screening and qualification process, but they can also guide those individuals who are conducting the interviews and seek to avoid these trouble spots. Their presence also frees up time for the HR manager to potentially sit in on the interviews and make sure they are conducted correctly.
What About Companies That Are Concerned About the Cost of Outsourcing These Services?
In most cases, businesses find that outsourcing recruiting and other HR functions is a more cost-efficient option. Temp staffing companies have access to all the major job boards and have experienced recruiters on staff.
Hiring and firing is very expensive. The fact that a temp staffing agency can identify viable candidates and help ensure they’re a good fit before they’re hired on a full-time basis can be of significant value to companies.
Maximizing ROI Through Strategic Temp Staffing Partnerships
The true value of working with a temp staffing agency extends far beyond basic cost savings. When implemented effectively, temp staffing creates compounding returns through reduced time-to-hire, improved candidate quality, and increased workforce flexibility.
Strategic relationships with staffing companies deliver exponential value when organizations take a partnership-focused approach rather than viewing them as simple vendors. The most successful temp staffing arrangements begin with clear communication about business objectives, workforce needs, and cultural requirements.
A temp staffing agency brings specialized expertise that helps organizations optimize their entire hiring process. This includes market-specific salary insights, candidate availability trends, and skill requirement recommendations that help companies stay competitive.
Selecting Your Ideal Temp Staffing Partner
When evaluating potential temp staffing partners, consider these essential factors.
Industry Expertise
Your temp staffing agency should demonstrate deep knowledge of your specific sector, including common roles, required certifications, and industry-specific compliance requirements. They should be able to speak your language and understand your unique challenges.
Technological Capabilities
Look for a temp staffing agency that utilizes advanced applicant tracking systems, automated screening tools, and data-driven matching algorithms. These technologies enable your temp staffing partner to identify and present qualified candidates more quickly and accurately.
Financial Stability and Longevity
A well-established temp staffing agency with a proven track record typically indicates reliability and sustainable business practices. Request case studies and client references that demonstrate their success in handling staffing needs similar to yours. Pay particular attention to their experience with companies of comparable size and complexity to your organization.
Geographical Reach
While local market knowledge is valuable, many organizations benefit from partnering with a temp staffing agency that has broader regional or national networks. This expanded reach can be particularly advantageous when seeking specialized talent or managing multi-location temp staffing needs.
Anything Else?
Additionally, evaluate their candidate-screening processes and quality-control measures. The best temp staffing partners maintain rigorous standards for candidate evaluation including thorough background checks, skills assessments, and professional reference verification.
The cultural alignment between your organization and the temp staffing agency shouldn't be overlooked. The agency's values, communication style, and approach to customer service should complement your company's culture. This alignment becomes particularly important when the agency represents your brand to potential candidates in the job market.
Best Practices for Succeeding with Temp Staffing Services
Successfully integrating temp staffing services into your existing HR operations requires careful planning and clear processes. Start by designating a primary point of contact who will manage the relationship with your temp staffing agency. This person should have authority to make decisions and facilitate communication between all stakeholders.
Establish clear metrics for measuring your temp staffing program's success. These might include time-to-fill positions, candidate quality ratings, and retention rates. Regular review meetings with your temp staffing partner help ensure continuous improvement and alignment with your evolving needs.
Many organizations find that temp staffing becomes more effective over time as their partner develops a deeper understanding of their business. Institutional knowledge will allow your temp staffing agency to anticipate needs and proactively identify potential candidates while creating a more efficient and responsive hiring process.
Remember that temp staffing should complement, not replace, your internal HR functions. The most successful partnerships occur when organizations view their temp staffing agency as an extension of their team. This approach enables both parties to leverage their respective strengths and can deliver optimal results for the organization.