Utilizing Part-Time & Hourly Employees

Employee engagement can be difficult with full-time employees, and even more so with part-time or hourly employees. In many instances, hourly or part-time employees work in lower-paying roles, have limited flexibility and usually do not receive benefits. This often leads to a clock-in/clock-out mentality which can affect productivity and your overall work culture.

If you feel that your part-time employees are feeling unmotivated or not a part of your team, there are several tips you can try to improve their overall performance.

Here are some tips:

• Employee-Led Scheduling – Many part-time employees have little control over the work schedule which can lead to resentment and disengagement when they are required to work hours that interfere with their lives. Working split shifts or regularly switching day and night shifts can also have a negative effect on the employee’s health. You can empower your employees by including them in schedule design, which gives them more flexibility and allows for better work-life balance.
• Keep People Informed – Part-time employees often feel disconnected because they miss announcements or activities that occurred while they were not on the job. Managers should establish an effective protocol for disseminating essential information to all part-time and hourly employees so they are completely in the loop and feel like part of the work team.
• Alternative Benefit Options – Many companies do not offer benefits to part-time or hourly employees. However, there are alternative benefits you should consider. For example, you can offer your part-time employees access to affordable health or dental coverage through plans your company has negotiated. You may also be surprised that many benefit plan providers offer benefit plans for part-time employees who work a specified number of hours a week.
• Recognition – All employees should be recognized and given the incentive to work. When you make an effort to praise and celebrate them, as well as offer potential perks or benefits, you can keep your part-time workers happy which will reduce turnover and increase productivity.
• Provide Orientation – All new employees, from full- to part-time, should receive a proper and full orientation. This will automatically make them feel like part of the team and help them get off to a great start.
• Give Important Tasks – Give all employees “important” work, even if it is just a part of a larger project. Explain how it is important to the future success of the organization, no matter how small the job or task may seem.

Optimum Can Help You Create a Positive Company Culture

HR is an important tool to help create a positive company culture. Optimum Employer Solutions is here to help you with this. We can offer a wide range of services, from creating a thorough and informative employee handbook to offering training and orientation services. We can also handle all HR tasks so you can focus on your employees and create the culture you want in your workplace. By utilizing some of these tips, as well as Optimum’s great line of services, you can achieve full-time engagement with your part-time employees.