Engagement strategies prove to be beneficial

Media Release
08.10.2012

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Engagement strategies prove to be beneficial

The concept of actively engaging with contractors, similar to the extent of engaging with permanent employees is becoming widely discussed in mainstream media.

HCI (Human Capital Institute) has released a strategic talent management initiative that encourages employers to participate in high-interaction work practices with their contractors and permanent employees. The idea behind this growing trend is to provide a working environment that enables contractors to thrive in their roles whilst offering valuable feedback and perspective to an organisation.

Following a recent global survey and interviews with corporate practitioners, HCI were able to report that 50% (majority) of participants said no when asked if contract talent was offered the same engagement opportunities as that of permanent talent. This surprising response may actually be limiting their organisation as contractors admitted to displaying discomfort in businesses that lack organisational culture, induction and socialisation processes.

Managing Director of Crackerjacks Contracting, Tony Wai states that “the statistics highlight the lack of understanding corporate practitioners have about the value of a contractor in an organisational context, not just as an outsider to the business, but as an asset contributing toward organisational success”.

With an increase in contractor – employer engagement, contractors would invest more effort and passion into their position. “This could lead to an increase in productivity rate, performance, customer relationships and profitability”, says Wai.

Over the past five years, contract-based and contingent positions have grown substantially, with contract-based roles filling 12 - 20% of the average organisations total workforce.

Crackerjacks Contracting and The Contingent, a Managed Service Provider (MSP) offering Contractor Workforce Solutions, have recently joined forces to enable contractors and businesses full management and payroll services. Paddy Faisandier, Executive Director of The Contingent, believes that contractors not only offer flexibility for the organisation, they can also be sourced and engaged in a shorter time frame than permanent employees and can provide a cost effective staffing solution.

With 12 – 20% of contract – based roles in the average organisations total workforce, The Contingent are striving to understand the New Zealand contracting context.

Faisandier’s specific interest in the NZ contracting context has been sparked through past research. “One organisation we have come across has about 1,200 contractors and only 20 – 30 permanent employees” he says.

Some ways to keep your contractors engaged can include

• Non cash rewards
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• Inclusion in office social events
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• Wellness programs
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• Offering freedom and creativity within their role
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• Help them discover their strengths
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• Communicate frequently
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• Opportunity for exit interviews
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These simple engagement strategies can mean the difference between contractors simply filling a position, or contract talent that demonstrates commitment towards the organisation.

“Contractors reinforce the trend around flexible resourcing. Companies should embrace organisational changes and engagement strategies for long term planning” says Wai.

FACTS:

• Crackerjacks is an online solution to professional contracting. In essence the website connects businesses with professional contractors. After launching in Auckland in October 2008, it is used in Auckland, Waikato and Wellington. The candidate database currently stands at 6722 contractor professionals. See website for more details www.crackerjacks.co.nz
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• Crackerjacks Contracting has been undergoing an entire site transformation over the past 6 months re-launched their new initiative on October 1st 2012
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• Tony Wai is the Managing Director and Founder of Crackerjacks Contracting. He first launched Crackerjacks after experiencing frustration when searching for contractor talent
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ends

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