Why giving contingent labor an exceptional candidate experience is impactful

In the modern job market, there has been a significant increase in the use of temporary labor. Many companies are increasingly turning to contingent workers, such as freelancers, contractors, and temporary employees, to meet fluctuating demands, tap into specialized skills, or increase productivity in their operations. 

However, amidst this shift there's an aspect that often gets overlooked— the candidate experience.

There is a mindset that the candidate experience has been closely associated with permanent hires. But the reality is this mindset can damage your recruitment and retention goals. 

Why should companies invest time into a positive experience with their contingent workers? Let’s dive in. 

Retention & turnover

While contingent workers may not be on the payroll permanently, their experience during the recruitment process and their tenure with the company can significantly influence their perception of the organization. A positive experience, with clear communication and respect, fosters a sense of belonging and loyalty, even among temporary staff. Ultimately, this leads to higher retention rates, reducing the costs and disruptions associated with frequent turnover.

Reputation in the market

In today's world, reputation is everything. Candidates — both contingent and permanent — talk. They can share their experiences on social media platforms, review sites and professional networks. By providing an exceptional candidate experience to contingent labor, companies enhance their employer brand and attract top talent in the future. A positive reputation as an employer of choice can be a powerful differentiator in a competitive marketplace.

Productivity increases

Many operations need contingent workers to fill in for a swing in demand or an area of need. An exceptional candidate experience ensures these workers onboard smoothly, understand their responsibilities clearly and feel motivated to perform at their best. When individuals feel valued and supported from the outset, they are more likely to be engaged, productive and committed to delivering high-quality work and fulfilling your organization’s goals. 

Cost savings

Investing in candidate experience may seem like an added expense at first, but it can lead to significant cost savings in the long run. A well-structured recruitment process reduces the time it takes to fill positions, minimizing productivity losses due to vacancies. Additionally, expenses associated with rehiring and retraining due to turnover are significantly reduced when contingent workers have a positive experience and choose to return for future assignments.

When companies invest in creating exceptional experiences for contingent labor, they can enjoy various benefits, including improved retention and productivity, enhanced brand reputation and cost savings

But what if there was a solution to help?

The Direct Sourcing difference

At Staff Management | SMX, we always want to help our clients find the perfect match for their open positions. Our Direct Sourcing Solution uses our proven recruiting tools and expertise while still going to market as your brand. With this solution, you can leverage your employment brand and culture to get the most out of your recruiting process and candidate experience—while still freeing up time for your recruitment or operations teams. 

Our expert solution includes:

·         Dedicated Recruitment and Support Teams

·         Market Expertise and Talent Attraction

·         Brand Alignment and Workforce Engagement

·         Visibility and Cost Savings

·         Bottom Line Value and ROI 

Want to learn more about our direct sourcing solution and what else it can offer your operation? Download our info sheet here. 

Now you understand the many reasons why providing an exceptional candidate experience for contingent workers is not just about goodwill—it’s a strategic necessity. 

But where do you start when trying to create an exceptional experience? Here are a few ideas to build an effective strategy.

About the Author

About Casey: Content marketing manager, frequently reading, aspiring chef, failed plant mom, connoisseur of tater tots, beauty products and airplane food.

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