After reading Temporary Sanity, I realize that many of our problems have stemmed from lack of internal coordination as well as a poor communication plan with our staffing provider, both of which are stressed in the book.
Although I have used temporary agencies for over 15 years, I found much of the authors inside information as to the real workings of staffing services to be very insightful, particularly now, when low unemployment rates mean skilled temporary employees can have their pick of the jobs available.
The books continual focus on the importance of treating temporary staff with respect equal to our permanent employees really hit home and, after several meeting with my supervisors and our human resources manager we have developed a plan to involve both the temporary agency staff, and the temps themselves, in our long and short range production goals by truly soliciting their input. After my supervisors read the book, we instituted a quality bonus program for our temporary employees, a temp-of-the-month award, and recruiting bonuses for any new temps which they refer to work for us. Our human resource department is working on written guidelines for all of our temporary employees as well as written job discriptions for all temporary positions. We have also,followed the authors advice about having a liason person from the temporary service meet with us weekly and in person to discuss present and future staffing needs and any individual performance issues. This one step has helped our communication greatly.
This is just a begining, but already we have seen improved moral and attrition, I'm confident I'll see improved production numbers this quarter.
There is enough solid information in Temporary Sanity that I would recommend it for any one who uses temporary staff, whether or not they are having problems. There are time and money saving tips throughout, funny real-life illustrations and anecdotes based on their many years of experience. The chapter on legal considerations may be an eye-opener for many reader...well worth the 14.95 price.