Onboarding contingent workers appropriately can encourage them to remain for the full assignment as well as help things run more smoothly.

What are the most important things to keep in mind when onboarding contingent workers? That’s what we asked Gary Campbell, CEO of Johnson Health Center in Lynchburg, Va.

“The No. 1 thing is make sure there is some type of onboarding process,” Campbell said,

CW program managers need to make sure they convey information on policies and procedures as well as site-specific requirements they need. And one idea is to put together a checklist to make sure things get done.

Campbell also said his organization created an abbreviated onboarding process for contingent workers. “We want to make certain the person coming on board has access to the same information our direct staff do.”

Staffing buyers with large operations need to coordinate with their MSPs (if they have one) on the onboarding processes and it’s a good idea to have staffing suppliers in the process. The suppliers have a role as well: They need to make sure they get requirements from the client such as safety training and, for healthcare clients, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act compliance issues.

In addition, “Make sure there is a clear line of communication between the contractor and their staffing organization, so they know who to call if there’s something they need,” Campbell said.

Campbell said he’s a firm believer in taking care of people up front and handling things the right way to keep things running smoothly.

Making sure contingent workers are onboarded properly will benefit your program. Without it, contingents may be less productive and may be more apt to leave an assignment sooner.

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