Make Part-Time Employee Development a Priority

Too often companies hire part-time staff then heed them little or no attention. A decision like that can bring negative results for your company: unmotivated and unreliable part-time staff, frequent turnover, low productivity and a potential decrease in sales. If a company doesn’t value its staff, why would employees want to help it succeed?

This means it’s important for employers to recognize the potential of developing part-time staff. In fact, your part-time worker can be a crucial part of helping your business grow. Just because he’s part-time doesn’t mean that he isn’t willing to work hard.

Let’s take a look at some benefits of making part-time employee development a priority.

Retainment

Companies that invest time and training with their part-time employees create a better work environment. Some part-time employees are only there for a limited duration due to seasonal work or company budget constraints. However, many part-time employees are in for the long haul.

Keeping part-time employees in mind and in the loop helps instill a sense of worth among these employees.

They’ll want to stay and be a part of of your company. This can reduce headaches if you have high employee turnover and are constantly  interviewing, hiring and training new staff , who leave shortly after being hired.

Increase Responsibility, Increase Reliability

Increasing responsibilities with a part-time employee demonstrates that you trust and value them.

Companies that treat part-time staff with the same level of trust they do full-time staff have employees who feel more empowered. This creates loyalty, reliablity and more productivity in employees.

Selecting a leader among the part-time staff is a great way to find somebody who can organize and motivate other part-time employees. For more insights on reasons to select a part-time staff leader, read  “Why You Need Another Effective Leader On Your Part-Time Team.”

Recruitment

Looking to hire more staff? Why not recruit from within your existing work pool? Whether you’re filling a recently vacant spot or creating a new one, look at your part-time employees before posting any job ads.

Think about it: You’ve hired these employees, they’ve been trained, and they’re familiar with your business and know what needs to get done. Do you have the time, resources and budget to train new employees?

Nurturing your part-time staff gives you the advantage of tapping them when they’re looking for advancement within the company. Let’s face it: This is a tough economy and tougher job market. Many part-time employees will sign on with the hopes of turning to full-time later.

Marketing Your Business

Employees create a company’s culture and this goes for part-time staff, too. Taking care of your staff (full- and part-time), demonstrates you care for your employees. This sends a message to customers and potential employees.

Satisfied part-time staff will tell their friends the benefits of working for a company. This word–of–mouth marketing can be a big help when recruiting. Part-time staff can refer their friends who’re looking for employment.

Receptiveness

This goes for both the employer and the employee in terms of benefits. Establish an easy way for part-time employees to communicate with you and listen to their feedback. Involve them in staff meetings and company functions. Make them feel welcomed and an integral component of your business.

Overall, if you take measures to make your part-time employee feel a part of your team, you’ll be positioned to keep your company on the path to success. And part-time employees can definitely help reach that goal.