Make Temporary Employees and Interns Your Allies

Far too often workers worry about the new temporary or intern taking his or her job, just stop it!  Many temporary workers and interns are just trying out jobs like trying on a new pair of shoes.  You like them initially and they go quite well with your outfit, but once worn for awhile you don't necessarily like them anymore, so until you get another new pair of costly shoes, you just tolerate them.

Temporary employees can be friends not foes when you take the time to get to know them and listen to their personal experiences when it comes to the workplace.  They can tell you things you didn't know about the environment--especially when you are away.  They are great at helping you get things done that you might have been putting off for some time now.  They can offer their expertise in a variety of areas while taking the time to help you get rid of problem employees.

Here are a few tips when working with temporary employees and interns:

1.  Be sure you have a work area that is presentable and comfortable for them before they arrive.

2.  Make certain the phone, computer and any other tools the temp or intern will be using work properly.

3.  Find someone who can take the time to assist them in your absence.

4.  Be respectful and patient with your temporary staff-- you need them even if you think you don't!

5.  Be open to hearing about any issues that might come up without judgment, criticism, blame, or taking offense.

6.  Be truthful in all situations and don't ask or make suggestions that your temporary employee or intern lie, be quiet, ignore, or cover up the truth for you.

Nicholl McGuire is the Author of Know Your Enemy: The Christian's Critic 

Office Temporaries: How to Protect Yourself Against Dishonest Co-workers

Expected to do some questionable things on your new temporary assignment? If so, here are several things you might want to do to cover yourself.

1.  Don't agree to do anything that you know full well is breaking the law, handbook, and other similar things.  Notify the temporary agency immediately and be prepared to quit the assignment even if they convince you to stay.

2.  Document who asked you to perform an illegal or questionable act, what the person said and include the date and time the conversations took place and where. Be sure to keep detailed notes what was asked of you and save the information elsewhere.

3.  Make copies of anything that will support your case especially if law enforcement is involved.

4.  Speak with a trusted attorney, someone who doesn't have a long-term relationship with someone who works there or is affiliated somehow with the corporation.

5.  Watch your back.  Even though you might assume some people would never do anything to hurt you or your family, never underestimate them.

Remember, you agreed to work to assist an organization, not to protect dishonest people and do their dirty work.

Nicholl McGuire