Like many New Jersey employers, you might have difficulty retaining contract workers. Because many take on project work, they might finish their contracts and move on to projects with other companies.
When you find top contract workers, you want to encourage them to work on future projects. As a result, you need strong contract worker retention strategies. The following methods can help.
Understand Contract Workers’ Needs and Expectations
Know what contract workers are looking for in a project, company, and career. Their goals, preferences, and motivations often differ from full-time employees’ needs.
Contract workers’ needs typically include:
- Flexibility
- Variety
- Learning
- Autonomy
- Income
You can regularly email surveys, organize feedback sessions, and provide performance reviews to uncover contract workers’ needs and expectations. Then, you can customize your recruitment and retention strategies accordingly.
Offer Contract Workers Competitive Income
Contract workers typically choose project work because they can earn more than permanent employees. As a result, you should pay contract workers income that meets or exceeds market rates and the value they provide your company. Earning competitive income encourages contract workers to remain with your organization long-term.
Consider offering contract workers many opportunities to earn income:
- Hourly rates
- Project-based rates
- Bonuses
- Incentives
- Allowance
- Training
- Access to tools and resources
Create a Positive Contract Worker Environment
Develop a positive work environment for contract workers:
- Provide contract workers with clear expectations, guidance, and support.
- Involve contract workers in meetings, discussions, and decisions that impact their projects.
- Create opportunities for socializing and bonding.
- Emphasize communication, collaboration, and trust in the workplace.
- Quickly address questions, concerns, and issues.
A positive work environment supports contract worker retention.
Support Contract Workers’ Learning and Development
Offer opportunities for contract workers to develop their knowledge, skills, and experiences. These opportunities support career growth and encourage contract worker retention.
For instance, offer challenging projects that align with contract workers’ goals and interests. Also, provide access to training, coaching, mentoring, and constructive feedback to improve performance.
Recognize and Reward Contract Workers
Regularly recognize contract workers for specific achievements. Include the actions taken and their impact on the organization. Provide a gift card, small bonus, or other rewards when appropriate.
Regular recognition and rewards support contract worker engagement, performance, and morale. These factors strengthen contract worker attraction and retention rates.
Maintain Communication with Contract Workers
Keep in touch with contract workers. For instance, email updates on your company’s news, events, and opportunities. Also, invite contract workers to engage with your newsletter, blog, podcast, and social media pages.
Periodically check in with contract workers to see how they are, what they are working on, and what they would like to do in the future. Build relationships to encourage contract workers to take on additional company projects to increase retention rates.
Does Your New Jersey Company Need Help with Contract Worker Retention?
Staff Right Solutions can help your New Jersey company increase contract worker retention. Get in touch to find out more today.
