Greetings!

Statistics Canada informs us that 1 in 5 new workers is a “temp.” Temporary agencies are doing a roaring business. Agencies are paid 30-40% of the total fee. The temporary worker receives what is left. Sometimes the person has benefits through the agency, and sometimes not. There are cases where the individual works for as long as five years in this curious pact.

There are people who prefer this arrangement, as well as the other types of temporary work such as seasonal, casual and contract relationships.

But, there are many temporary workers who would prefer to be full time employees, with all the benefits and privileges of belonging to the team in the true sense.

Why do employers enter into this perpetual courtship? The organization is paying the same amount of money. Because it appears to be easier to manage the temporary agency than to lead their own employees. The supervision of this temporary workforce is often left to “agency supervisors.”  In some cases agency supervisors are performing the traditional day to day management functions, sometimes housed in onsite offices.

At the same time we have a crisis of engagement in our workforce. The majority of the Canadian Workforce is not fully engaged (committed, focused and energized).

Canadian Results from the Towers Perrin 2005 Workforce Study

There is a significant opportunity for employers who offer direct and full employment. The key is to ensure that leaders (supervisors and managers) have the ability to lead honestly, fairly and consistently. This requires leaders who have the courage to assess their skills against the behaviours which we know to be engaging and effective.

Do you have temporary workers in your organization?  What is your experience?  Send us your insights for November's In 60 Seconds.

With Gratitude

Thank you to the people who sent in your stories of “organizational culture.” They are terrific. We will ask your permission to print before you see them published.

If you would like to submit a story, we are accepting new ones until November 30^th, 2006. Here are the writing tips.

Enjoy the last glimpse of fall colour!

Public Sessions for Leaders

Leadership by Engagement for Not For Profit Organizations
November 3 & 17^th
Toronto – Sold Out
 

Mica
November 8^th and 9th
Leverage EQ To Boost
Your Leadership Impact

Proactively choose what
you say and do, and how you go about it. Understand the concept of emotional intelligence to increase your ability to be more proactive. Hone your skills in dealing with emotion to increase your effectiveness as a leader.

MICA is offering a 10% discount to our subscribers!
Click Here for More Info!

 

Smiths Falls Chamber of Commerce
Keynote
November 15^th
 Leadership by Engagement, Character is the Key

 

Newmarket Chamber of Commerce

Connecting Your Passion with
Your Purpose  Exploring your Character
November 22nd

Click Here to Register!