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Creating a Welcoming Culture for Temp-to-Hire Employees

Not so long ago, there was an unspoken divide between temp-to-hire employees and the full-time employees and management they encountered at each job site.

It probably wasn’t meant to explicitly exclude the individual as much as it was more practical than taking time out to get to know someone whose future with the company was unclear.

The modern workplace focus on company culture is intended to help employees “find their place” in a new job and business environment for better productivity and employee retention.

But does this inclusive practice extend to temp-to-hire employees? Should it?

Would your business benefit from creating a welcoming environment for temp-to-hire employees as early in their assignment as possible?

Ideally, all new hires should feel welcome, regardless of the terms, current status, or planned duration of their employment.

Let’s check out the benefits of integrating temporary-to-hire workers into your team and consider some simple ways to do it.

Why Welcoming Temp-to-Hire Employees Is Important

Even if you aren’t 100% sure your temp-to-hire workforce will ultimately join your team, you certainly want them to care about their job and do their best while working for you. When people feel welcome and included, they work better and look forward to signing on permanently.

Temp-to-hire employees who feel disengaged are less likely to feel any investment in a company and are prone to doing the bare minimum, sometimes called quiet quitting. Or they may resign before reaching a hire date, leaving you to scramble and start the process again.

Get everyone pulling on the same side of the rope, and everyone involved wins a daily tug-o-war competition.

3 Ways to Create a Welcoming Environment for Temp-to-Hire Workers

Making coworkers feel welcomed icon

Temp-to-hire employees understand the nature and terms of their assignment. However, we have come up with three simple ways to help them feel like the work they do for you matters and that you’re glad to have them on the team and want them to stay.

Develop a Special Onboarding Strategy for Temp-to-Hire Employees

Forbes recommends that you develop a detailed process with checks and balances and a few additional tips to help temporary workers feel welcome:

  • Draw on your existing culture of open communication and inclusivity.
  • Invest in accelerated and streamlined training to get everyone up to speed quickly and thoroughly.
  • Put your company values at the center stage of your onboarding materials.
  • Introduce temporary workers to a mentor, whether a manager or a co-worker, as a designated contact.

Focus on Employee Engagement: Recognize and Include Temp-to-Hire Employees

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It is important to help everyone feel included. Inviting temp-to-perm employees to team building and social events helps them feel like an accepted and valued part of the team.
Some events where everyone can gather and mingle include:

  • Company picnics or festivals
  • Team luncheons, on-site or off-site
  • Birthday or anniversary celebrations
  • Awards celebrations

If your temp-to-hire has a birthday or an award-worthy achievement before they sign on permanently, go ahead and put them front and center. They will love it!

Finally, include temp-to-hire team members in a door prize drawing or another bonus opportunity, and you will win big.

Offer Constructive Feedback

Temp-to-hire employees perform better when they have specific, constructive feedback based on their work performance and productivity. Here are some tips to consider when offering constructive feedback:

  • Be Specific. Give temp-to-hire workers actionable advice to help them improve.
  • Discuss Issues Face-to-Face. Providing feedback, good or bad, personalizes the exchange while also establishing trust and helping to prevent rumors.
  • Maintain Objectivity. While you want the interaction personalized, you don’t want your feedback to be personal or taken personally.
  • Create Balance. Offer a few positive observations to encourage them to improve on any negative feedback with hope and enthusiasm.

Ensure a Smooth Transition for Your Temp-to-Hire Employees

These proven strategies nurture a transparent, appreciative, and inclusive environment that inspires temp-to-perm employees to commit to your company.

If you need more ideas and resources to welcome temp-to-hire employees, our Surge talent advisors and workforce managers are here to help.

Additionally, we offer our employees benefits that keep them engaged and committed until their hire date and beyond. Our attractive perks include an unlimited referral bonus program, health insurance, free skills training, and weekly pay. Contact us to discuss maintaining a motivational environment for your workforce that translates to enhanced employee retention and robust productivity and profitability.

If you need assistance finding temp-to-hire, temporary, seasonal, or direct-hire employees in your area, find your location here to reach out to one of our nearly 200 branches nationwide.


  1. https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2022/05/27/14-ways-to-make-new-hires-feel-welcome-and-set-up-for-success/?sh=1b9dc1982a2c
  2. https://www.wsj.com/world/china/america-had-quiet-quitting-in-china-young-people-are-letting-it-rot-5f10d4a0
  3. https://www.forbes.com/sites/theyec/2023/11/21/12-tips-for-managing-temporary-teams-during-the-holiday-rush/?sh=1bb70b2826e1

Additional Resources

  • https://cited.com.au/integrating-temporary-workers-into-your-company-culture/
  • https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesfinancecouncil/2023/09/14/building-a-company-culture-to-drive-success/?sh=624468881444
  • https://www.gallup.com/workplace/349484/state-of-the-global-workplace.aspx