Getting the Most from Project Staff

If your company is using interim professionals, a little preparation on your part will help get them quickly up to speed. Here are eight essential tips from Robert Half Technology for working with project professionals.

Click through for eight tips on getting your project staff up to speed quickly from Robert Half Technology.

Inform full-time staff members when project professionals are expected to arrive and where in the office they’ll be working. Explain the responsibilities the interim staff will assume so there’s no confusion.

Make sure the assigned work areas are tidy and stocked with basic office supplies. Check that computers are working and with the necessary software and permissions to access relevant data.

Give interim employees a tour of your office, not just their assigned work area. Explain your department’s day-to-day work flow and provide a brief overview of policies and procedures. Take time to introduce interim staff to everyone on the team, including administrative personnel.

Include contract workers in all meeting and e-mails concerning their projects. And don’t forget to invite them to team-building events and informal events, such as lunch outings.

Once interim professionals begin working, make it clear that you’re happy to answer any questions that may arise. If you know you’ll be busy, be sure to appoint secondary contacts who can handle issues when you’re not available.

Consistently acknowledge the efforts and accomplishments of project professionals, just as you would those of full-time staff. If they know their contributions are valued, they’ll be much more likely to ask important questions – and to make use of constructive criticism.

Conduct an early assessment of the performance of project professionals and discuss their progress with your staffing manager. Does the project worker have the right skill set for the job? Is he or she adjusting quickly to your work environment? Talk with your full-time employees as well to gather their impressions.

Be sure to give your contact at your staffing firm frank feedback about your experience working with the project professionals he or she provided. If you wish to extend the assignment, inform your staffing manager early on to ensure the employee is not placed on another project.