Temporary workers often express that they want to feel respected at the workplace. Temp labor is often treated as expendable and with little respect. But to build a fully optimized staffing strategy businesses need flex laborers.
We asked real temp workers ways that they’ve been shown respect and collected their answers into 3 main points. Show temporary staff respect by leading by example, encouraging growth, and showing recognition.
Temporary labor near me is vital to warehouse temp staffing, event companies, catering businesses, and general labor staffing. Respecting temporary labor doesn’t just improve morale, it improves reliability, performance, and retention.
It Starts with Supervisors: Lead by Example
The first step to showing workers respect is leading by example. Respect flows from leadership. The way supervisors behave on the floor sets the tone for how temp workers feel and perform. When workers come from a labor agency near you, be sure the supervisors are good leaders and equipped to help them succeed.
A worker from our survey commented that seeing supervisors who assign them tasks and then go take a break. This gives the impression to the workers that the supervisor isn’t hard working.
Pro Tip: After assigning workers their tasks move to your next task instead of taking a break
The best way to start showing respect is to have your supervisors lead by example. Show the workers who know how to do the job. Understand their perspective and work together as a team.
Lead by Example Practices:
- Introduce yourself
- Be clear, prepared and organized
- Jump in when needed
- Show(not tell) you work hard
Encourage Growth: Mentorship Over Swag
The second thing we heard feedback on is taking an interest in workers growth. This is one of the most powerful forms of respect.
How do you take an interest in a worker's growth? It looks like helping workers understand how they can succeed at your company.
One worker told how a supervisor suggested this worker apply for a position. The manager said some kind things and rooted for this worker. Ultimately the worker didn't get the job. But because the manager had taken an interest in them and said some nice things about them the worker felt good.
This worker, who is strong and liked by the supervisor, is more likely to return for future shifts because of this experience. Building relationships and respect helps finding temp staff for my business become easier. Many workers say that mentorship and supervisors who invest in their growth help them feel respected at work.
Recognition Goes a Long Way: Notice the Good Stuff
Even in fast-paced environments, taking a moment to recognize effort, attitude, or improvement builds trust and respect.
This tip is powerful and yet it costs nothing. Recognition keeps good workers coming back, especially in flexible systems like online staffing platforms.
Ways to Show Respect Through Recognition:
- Say thank you at the end of every shift
- Notice specific things someone did well
- Give simple complements
The best workers, the ones that you want to keep coming back to your shifts, want to hear recognition and want to be shown respect.
Respecting temp workers doesn’t require big gestures, it’s about consistent leadership, encouragement, and recognition. Showing respect builds your bench of workers and makes it easier to find temp employees.
When you treat temp workers near you with respect, you will see better performance. You will also build stronger relationships and have a more reliable workforce, shift after shift. When you treat temp workers near you with respect, you will see better performance. You will also build stronger relationships and have a more reliable workforce, shift after shift.
