In the dynamic world of healthcare, the need for temporary and contract staff is ever-present. Whether it's filling gaps during high-demand periods or bringing in specialized expertise for short-term projects, these professionals play a critical role in maintaining the quality of care that patients expect.
However, integrating temporary and contract staff into your facility can present unique challenges. Building a strong employer-employee relationship is key to ensuring that these professionals feel valued and are able to perform at their best. Here are some tips on how healthcare facilities can create a positive working environment for temporary and contract staff from Millbrook Support Services.
1. Prioritize Clear and Open Communication
Effective communication is the foundation of any strong relationship, and this is especially true in healthcare staffing. Temporary and contract staff often come into new environments with little time to acclimate, making it crucial that they receive clear, concise information from the outset.
- Set Expectations Early: Provide detailed information about job roles, responsibilities, and expectations during the onboarding process. This clarity helps temporary staff understand their role and how they fit into the team.
- Maintain Open Lines of Communication: Encourage a culture where temporary staff feel comfortable asking questions or raising concerns. Regular check-ins, either through formal meetings or casual conversations, can help address any issues early on and keep communication flowing smoothly.
- Provide Access to Resources: Ensure that temporary staff have easy access to the resources they need, whether it's contact information for key personnel, training materials, or a clear chain of command for reporting issues.
2. Invest in a Comprehensive Onboarding Process
Onboarding is not just about filling out paperwork and providing a tour of the facility. It's about making temporary and contract staff feel like they are a part of the team from day one. A well-structured onboarding process can significantly enhance their integration into the workplace.
- Create a Welcoming Environment: Introduce temporary staff to the team and give them a thorough overview of the facility’s culture, values, and workflows. This helps them feel connected to the organization's mission and more comfortable in their new role.
- Provide Necessary Training: Tailor the onboarding process to include any specific training that temporary staff might need. This could range from facility-specific procedures to technology systems they’ll be using. Proper training not only boosts confidence but also ensures that they can hit the ground running.
- Assign a Mentor or Buddy: Pairing temporary staff with a permanent employee who can serve as a mentor or buddy can make a significant difference. This person can answer questions, provide guidance, and help the new staff member navigate the workplace culture.
3. Offer Constructive Feedback and Recognition
Feedback is a powerful tool in building strong relationships with temporary and contract staff. Regular, constructive feedback helps them understand how they are performing and where they can improve, while recognition fosters a sense of belonging and motivation.
- Provide Timely Feedback: Don’t wait until the end of a contract to provide feedback. Regularly scheduled reviews or informal check-ins can offer opportunities to discuss performance, address any issues, and provide guidance. This helps temporary staff feel supported and gives them a chance to improve their skills.
- Celebrate Successes: Recognize the contributions of temporary and contract staff in the same way you would with permanent employees. Whether it’s a shout-out during a team meeting, a note of appreciation, or a small token of thanks, recognition can go a long way in making temporary staff feel valued.
- Encourage Two-Way Feedback: Invite temporary staff to provide feedback on their experience working at your facility. This can offer valuable insights into areas for improvement and demonstrate that you value their input.
4. Foster a Collaborative Team Environment
Temporary and contract staff often bring fresh perspectives and new skills to a team. Encouraging collaboration between them and permanent staff can lead to improved patient care and a more dynamic work environment.
- Integrate Temporary Staff into Teams: Involve temporary staff in team meetings, discussions, and decision-making processes. This helps them feel like they are part of the team and encourages collaboration.
- Promote Inclusivity: Ensure that temporary staff are included in social events, team-building activities, and other workplace gatherings. This promotes a sense of camaraderie and helps to break down any barriers between permanent and temporary staff.
- Leverage Their Expertise: Temporary and contract staff often come with a wealth of experience from other settings. Encourage them to share their knowledge and ideas with the team, which can lead to new approaches and innovations.
5. Ensure Fair Treatment and Support
Fair treatment is a cornerstone of a positive working environment. Temporary and contract staff should be treated with the same respect and consideration as permanent employees.
- Ensure Equal Access to Resources: Make sure that temporary staff have the same access to equipment, support, and facilities as permanent staff. This includes everything from office supplies to professional development opportunities.
- Offer Competitive Compensation and Benefits: While temporary staff might not have the same benefits as permanent employees, offering competitive pay and, where possible, some form of benefits can help attract top talent and improve retention.
- Support Their Career Growth: Show that you care about their professional development by offering opportunities for skill enhancement, certifications, or continued education. This not only benefits the individual but can also improve the quality of care they provide.
Conclusion
Building a strong employer-employee relationship with Millbrook’s temporary and contract staff is essential for creating a positive, productive work environment in healthcare facilities. By prioritizing clear communication, investing in comprehensive onboarding, offering constructive feedback, fostering a collaborative team environment, and ensuring fair treatment, healthcare facilities can ensure that their temporary staff feel valued, supported, and empowered to deliver the best possible care. This, in turn, not only enhances patient outcomes but also strengthens the overall workforce, creating a win-win situation for both the staff and the organization.
Interested in working with us? Request Staff or a Capability Statement here.
About the Author
James L. Paterek, a dynamic human capital & technology industry leader, is the Chief Executive Officer of Millbrook Support Services, a nationwide healthcare staffing & workforce solutions company with offices throughout the country. Millbrook, Joint Commission certified and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB), supplies Physicians, Nurses, Advanced Practice Providers and Allied Health staffing services to government, education, corrections, and commercial clients across North America. Moreover, Millbrook is a GSA-Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) contract holder of the 621 I for Professional & Allied Healthcare Staffing Services with a geographical coverage area encompassing all 50 States including Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico.
