Unlocking productivity and engagement: Navigating absenteeism, AI trends, and worker engagement in 2024

As we wrap up February, we're thrilled to continue our journey of keeping you updated on the latest trends, news, and insights in the world of temporary work. We’re with you at the frontline, providing support and advice for the day-to-day management of your flexible workforce. This time we will deep-dive into worker engagement and share insights into AI developments and their impact on workplaces.

Enjoy the read.

In the news

• Absenteeism in the workplace hits a 10-year high. According to research by The Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development (CIPD), the rise of absenteeism is a concerning trend in the workforce, indicating potential challenges for employers in managing absences and maintaining productivity. This increase in sick leave could be attributed to various factors such as health concerns, workplace stress, or the after-effects of the pandemic. 76% of respondents reported they had taken time off due to stress in the past year. (Source: The Guardian)
• How is the digital revolution reshaping the workforce? The job market is undergoing significant transformations with the advent of AI and automation, leading to the creation of new roles while phasing out others. This shift necessitates a strategic focus on reskilling in areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and sustainable innovations, emphasizing the importance of both technical skills and emotional intelligence in an increasingly automated world. (Source: Inc.com)
• Amid economic fluctuations, companies are faced with the challenge of making strategic investments in AI. The increase in funding for AI startups signifies a cautious yet optimistic approach towards integrating AI technologies into business operations, aiming for more data-driven and efficient decision-making processes. This reflects the critical role of financial leadership in leveraging AI's potential responsibly. (Source: Fortune)

Worker spotlight 

7 tips for keeping your temporary workforce engaged

In the dynamic landscape of today's economy, temporary workers play a crucial role in meeting the ever-changing demands of businesses. However, keeping these workers engaged can present unique challenges. Here are seven practical tips to foster engagement and ensure a positive and productive working relationship with your flexible workforce.

1. Transparency

Establish transparent communication from the outset. Providing workers with clear expectations, job responsibilities, and a solid understanding of the company culture will help them decide for the right job, which will avoid disappointment later on. Knowing exactly what to expect from the job, people will feel empowered and more engaged. For example, research by Slack shows that 87% of job seekers say they look for transparency in a future workplace.

2. Simplicity 

Providing temporary workers with easy and fast access to job opportunities, devoid of bureaucratic hurdles, is paramount. Streamlining the recruiting and day-to-day management processes through user-friendly applications eliminates unnecessary complexities. This ensures that temporary workers can swiftly navigate their roles without being encumbered by tedious administrative tasks. Adopting modern technologies not only enhances accessibility but also replaces outdated bureaucratic processes like hand-written time sheets, contributing to a more agile and responsive work environment. Simplifying the workflow not only empowers temporary workers to focus on their core responsibilities but also reinforces a positive and supportive organizational culture. Studies by Siegel+Gale (source: Forbes) even show that people have more trust in leadership, are more likely to recommend their employer, and show better retention rates when the workplace setup is simple and straightforward.

3. Onboarding excellence

A robust onboarding process will set flexible workers up for success. According to Bamboo HR, people who went through effective onboarding are up to 18x more commitment to their workplace. While temporary workers may have shorter tenures, a comprehensive onboarding experience ensures they quickly understand their roles, responsibilities, and the overall mission of the organization. Beyond work processes, onboarding establishes a sense of belonging, introduces company values, and facilitates building community within the organization. 

4. Recognition and appreciation

Recognize and appreciate the contributions of your temporary workforce. Acknowledge their hard work, celebrate milestones, and consider implementing a recognition program (e.g. “worker of the month”). Personalized expressions of gratitude, whether through a simple thank-you note, a shout-out in team meetings go a long way in making temporary workers feel valued and integral to the team. For instance, research by Gallup revealed that getting recognition at work makes people 20 times more committed .On top of that, opportunities for personal growth and professional development are part of showing appreciation and should be extended to the flexible workforce whenever possible. 

5. Inclusive work environment

In today's workplace, fostering an inclusive environment is essential for both permanent and temporary workers. Creating a setup where everyone feels integral to the team promotes unity and diversity, which also is fundamental for business success, as McKinsey found out in multiple studies. Simple yet effective measures, such as open communication channels and mentorship programs, ensure that temporary workers are not just acknowledged but actively included in the organizational culture. Leveraging technology for transparent communication and recognition further reinforces a sense of belonging. 

6. Feedback and communication 

Establish a feedback mechanism that allows temporary workers to share their thoughts and concerns. Regular check-ins and an open-door policy create an environment where they feel heard and supported - which will have a positive knock-on effect on their engagement as well, as research from Quantum Workplace shows: Regular feedback makes people twice as engaged and increases retention by 1.4 times. When working with staffing providers, the concept of onsite management can make a huge difference when engaging with your temporary workforce: By having a representative from the staffing company onsite that acts as the first point of contact for workers, these workers will feel much more appreciated and engaged, and in collaboration with your staffing partner, you can cater to their specific needs much more effectively. 

7. Flexibility and work-life balance

Recognize the importance of work-life balance for temporary workers. A recent study from the American Psychological Association found out that a majority of people are struggling with exactly that: About 33% lack sufficient control over the timing, location, and manner of their work, while a similar proportion (32%) feel they lack the flexibility needed to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Additionally, only 26% said that their employer respects their personal boundaries. Acknowledging and respecting the personal time of flexible workers fosters a positive relationship and contributes to overall job satisfaction.

Engaging temporary workers goes beyond the duration of their assignments. By implementing these tips, you not only enhance the experience for your flexible workforce but also contribute to a more productive and harmonious work environment for everyone.

Success story 

Leroy Merlin is a French retail brand specializing in home improvement (construction, renovation, decoration, DIY, and gardening). As part of the Adeo Group, the third-largest player in the global home improvement market, Leroy Merlin is the market leader in France with 144 stores nationwide. For its national warehouse in Dourges, Leroy Merlin collaborates with around forty employees whose profiles have been selected by Job&Talent. We spoke with Valentine Couture, who is responsible for Human Resources with a focus on temporary workers for the warehouse. Read more

Job&Talent updates

Insights from the World Economic Forum 2024 

As part of this year’s World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, we deep-dived into discussions around how AI is impacting work. Key insights include: 

• Integrating AI into business operations has become essential for gaining a competitive edge in today's market.
• However, it's not just about technology; the impact of AI on society must be carefully considered. Balancing regulations to promote diversity, inclusion, and innovation is crucial.
• AI is reshaping how we enhance experiences for both workers and clients in our industry, with a focus on reskilling to prepare for the future.

At Job&Talent, we're committed to leveraging AI to improve efficiency while upholding ethical standards. Our goal is to connect individuals with meaningful opportunities, empowering them to thrive in a constantly changing job market.

Tech solutions to look forward to

We’re happy to provide some exclusive insights into the latest projects our tech teams are diving into. Our new features are currently undergoing testing in specific markets and will soon be available to a wider audience. This month, we shine a spotlight on a convenient way to request new vacancies within the Job&Talent Business app. 

• This new functionality will offer you access to our in-app form with just a few clicks to effortlessly submit your workforce needs when you anticipate an increased demand. This significantly speeds up the process and further increases your agility.
• After submission, our dedicated account team steps in to handle all subsequent steps seamlessly. No more juggling texts, meetings, or emails – hiring has never been this straightforward.

See how it works

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