Reaching for the telephone to hire a temp can provide a simple solution to a difficult situation. Most businesses have experienced the difficulty at least once. Either a regular staff member is ill or the workload has increased but doesn’t yet warrant taking on further people.

An agency can be a more reliable source if they are experienced in matching the needs of employers and temps. This is crucial if a successful relationship -however short – is to be created. Most successful agencies say that it is essential to know both clients and temps. So it’s important to deal with an agency that will come out and see you and the way you work.

When the temp arrives be prepared to spend time with them. A proper induction is advisable to make the best use of the person you are hiring. It may be useful to have a handbook detailing your office procedures and maybe even listing who’s who in the business. Even showing where the coffee machine and washrooms are is important. At the very least explain fully the project they will be handling.

If the temp is a holiday replacement you may want to consider a day’s overlap. This will give the temp more confidence, make them more effective and reduce the chances of other staff being put to unnecessary interruptions.

However good the temp seems take nothing for granted, especially with important procedures. Check thoroughly that they have fully understood what is expected. This should prevent someone else spending two days putting things right again.