Temporary workers are a large and important part of the UK workforce with an estimated 1.2 million temporary workers keeping business in the UK moving each week.

However, Investors in People highlights that such employees can feel detached from their employer due to lack of clarity over what is expected of them, their role and how this relates to the goals of the organisation.

Simon Jones, Acting Chief Executive at Investors in People, a body which helps organisations get more from their people, said:

“Temporary workers can bring a wide range of skills and experience to an organisation, but all too often employers view them simply as a short-term solution to a resourcing problem. Whilst this can be demotivating for the individual, it is also a wasted opportunity for the employer.

“Getting the most from temporary workers requires employers to think ahead and invest time in planning the role. As with any other employees, you have to set clear goals and create support systems that will help temporary workers give of their best. Without this, employers hinder the contribution that these workers can make in support of business goals"

Investors in People recommends a number of steps to help employers ensure they are getting the most from temporary workers, from planning inductions to get the best from them to specific tactical measures such as a whistle-stop tour of company principles, customer service standards and key ‘dos and don’ts’ in order to give temporary workers a rapid induction to the organisation.

An Investors in People spokesperson is available for further comment or broadcast opportunities. Contact the Investors in People press office on 020 7544 3118. 

ENDS

• Every week 1.2 million temporary workers are keeping business in the UK moving.  National Temporary Workers Week is Recruitment and Employment Confederation's annual campaign to promote the contribution of the temporary workforce and demonstrate the broad range of professions and industries that temps work in.
• This year, Investors in People is celebrating its 15th anniversary.
• The Investors in People Standard provides a framework for improving business performance and competitiveness through good practice in human resource development.
• An organisation that has achieved the Standard has been successful in adopting and maintaining its three fundamental principles: Plan - developing strategies to improve the performance of the organisation, from business goals to leadership strategies; Do - implementing those strategies, taking action to improve the performance of the organisation; Review - evaluating and adjusting those strategies, measuring their impact on the performance of the organisation.
• The Investors in People Standard and Profile are promoted and developed by Investors in People UK – an organisation whose main stakeholder is the Department for Education and Skills.
• The Investors in People Standard is delivered by a partner network:
1. In England, the network of Investors in People Quality Centres.
2. In Scotland, Scottish Enterprise (SE) or Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).
3. In Wales, the Business Skills Delivery Team at the Department for Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills, Welsh Assembly Government.
4. In Northern Ireland, the Department for Employment of Learning.