BBB of Greater Houston & South Texas

News Release: For Immediate Release

The Better Business Bureau Serving:
Brazoria, Ft. Bend, Galveston, Harris, Matagorda, Montgomery, & Wharton Counties. (Texas)

Better Business Bureau Tips:
Editorial Ideas From Your Better Business Bureau

Contacts:
Deana Turner:
Office: 713-341-6131, e-mail: dturner@bbbhou.org

www.bbbhou.org * bbbinfo@bbbhou.org * Council of BBBs: www.bbb.org *
24-Hour Information: 713-868-9500, 877-468-9222 (from area code 409 only)

Choosing the Right Temporary Agency for Your Business

With peak overloads, vacation periods, employee illnesses or the downtime caused by the absence of permanent employees, more and more businesses are turning to “temps” - temporary workers - to fill the gaps in their work force. If you are a business owner, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) suggests these tips if you are considering signing up with a temporary agency:

• Find out how long the agency has been in operation and what its performance record has been in the temp service industry.

• Check with other clients to see how they like the agency. A reputable agency will be happy to provide client references. Also, get a reliability report from the BBB at 713-868-9500 or 800-275-3626 (from area code 409 only). • Look for an agency that is familiar with your industry.

• Find an agency with representatives who are readily accessible when problems occur.

• Clearly define the skills and experiences your company is seeking in a candidate. Let the service know exactly what tasks need to be done. Instead of just asking for a “secretary,” for example, explain that the person is needed to type memos or file records. Discuss your expectations, your projects, and your objectives.

• Offer some general information about the work environment. Is it fast-paced, low-key, or conservative? Is there a dress code? Is parking available?

• Assign someone to introduce, advise, and oversee the temporary employee.

• Be reasonable. Don’t demand a person with an unusual combination of skills unless you are willing to pay for such specialized talents.

• Find out how flexible the agency is in accepting late requests or changing temps during an assignment.

• Ask if the agency is fully insured for worker’s compensation and general liability.

Finding the right agency can require time and work. However, by asking the right questions, you should be able to find a firm that will provide the right people to do the job.

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