Hiring Temp Workers? Employment Legal Contracts a Must

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With an unexpected drop in the U.S. unemployment rate today, things are starting to look up for the economy. We still have a long way to go with the unemployment rate at 10% (down from 10.2% in October), but there are other signs of recovery too. For example, there has been a steady increase in temporary jobs over the last four months. If employers are hiring temp workers now, permanent employee hires are likely to follow.

Hiring temp workers is a smart hiring option for many employers because it’s so flexible. For employees, temp work is often a stop-gap between full time positions, and gives job seekers the income they need while they seek permanent employment.

There are a few things that you need to remember before hiring temp workers:

1. Make sure that the terms of employment are in writing. Most temp agencies provide the paperwork, but if you’re hiring a temp worker without an agency, or you’re hiring a freelancer or consultant, you should complete an Independent Contractor Agreement or a Consulting Agreement.
2. Ask all temp workers to complete a Nondisclosure Agreement. You should always protect your confidential business information, and it’s especially important when hiring temp workers. Even though their time with you may be limited, they will be exposed to many aspects of your business, which often includes confidential business information.
3. Treat temporary workers with the same courtesy and respect that you give to your permanent employees – you may want to hire them someday! When you do hire employees, make sure to create an Employment Confirmation Letter and an Employment Agreement.