Follow Our Tips to Engage Your Contract Workforce
Ensuring your employees are engaged and happy can be key to a business’s success. However, with the rise in the gig economy and more contract workers entering the workforce, it can be difficult to engage contractors in the way full-time employees are. There are benefits to doing so though, so it is worth putting the time to consider what more you can be as an employer to engage your contract workforce.
Why Your Contract Workforce is Less-Engaged
It may sound like an easy task, but finding ways to engage a contract workforce can be difficult. In this day and age, many contractors work remotely or out of town. You may find it hard to include them in what is going on if you have a brick-and-mortar office or factory.
Taking the extra steps to ensure these individuals feel included can seriously improve your bottom line. Oftentimes, employers make contract employees feel lesser than full-time individuals. Their happiness and wellbeing are just as important as other employees. Focusing on strategies to further engage your contractors will ultimately impact your overall success.
Communicate With Them on a Regular Basis
That being said, the best way to ensure your contract workforce is engaged is by opening up methods of communication. For instance, if your contractors are remote, it is a good idea to set up virtual message boards and hold video conferences from time to time to help them feel more plugged into the company and its culture.
Reward Them for a Job Well Done
You should also be sure to acknowledge when they do a good job. Inform them how their work is improving the company as a whole. If possible, consider giving them a raise or a bonus. Even if monetary rewards aren’t possible at this time, a simple “thank you” and recognition within the company is enough to improve their morale. They will see that you and others benefit from their everyday work within the business.
Share Your Company Mission Statement Clearly and Often
Whatever your company’s bottom line is, share it with all of your employees on a regular basis. This includes your contract employees. Be sure your mission is clearly stated and discuss with your team members how they contribute to the company’s mission. Communicating these things will allow them to see how they fit into the big picture in terms of the business’ success.
Don’t Treat Them Differently
Oftentimes, employers treat contractors differently from their full-time employees. This is usually because they do not bond with them in the same way. They may not see contract workers on a daily basis and may not interact with them regularly either. Finding new ways to engage with them will help make sure they feel equal to their full-time counterparts.
Incorporate Them in Events
Any events you are holding should include contract workers as well. Not involving them in company events, like picnics or retreats, will only make them feel more isolated from others. Even if you don’t think they will be able to come, invite them. It will improve their sense of community with their fellow employees and you as an employer.
Ask for Feedback From Your Contract Employees
The best way you can truly engage your contract workforce is by directly asking them for feedback. Find out what you can do to make them feel more included in the company’s culture. See what things you are doing well and what you can improve on. After all, placing focus on your employees’ well-being always pays off.
Contact Our Team Today
Anyone looking to find new, innovative ways to engage your contract workers can get help leveraging the many benefits. Contact us to find out what your business can do to increase engagement amongst your contract workforce.
