Although it doesn't happen on every job, there comes a time in every temp's career when they realize that temps sometimes have a bad image.
These negative views occur largely because employers and permanent workers don't understand the temporary lifestyle. Why doesn't he/she have a real job? Is he/she not qualified to have a permanent job? They simply don't comprehend the concept of being temporary, especially when it is the temp's choice.
Here are just some reasons permanent employees can be cold to temp employees:
- Employers or co-workers don't trust someone new/they don't know.
- Companies don't trust someone who is just passing through.
- Permanent workers assume that a person does temporary work because he is unskilled or incompetent, he/she can't get a "real job," or was fired from their last work situation.
- Co-workers suspect that the temp might want their jobs-- this is particularly true in a company that is undergoing staff cuts.
- It doesn't occur to them when they exclude temps from a situation that it might be hurtful, because they have never temped themselves and they can't relate to the feeling.
- If a company has a strong hierarchy, temps are viewed as being at the bottom of the totem pole as part of the natural progression.
- If a business environment is tense, people may be jealous because the temp can just walk away whenever he or she wants.
Unfortunately, it may feel safer to vent bad feelings on a temp than on permanent co-workers, who more directly affect their job security.
If a company or individual has a bad image of temps, it will be apparent in many ways:
- When people explain procedures, they are condescending or oversimplifying.
- A simple project comes up that you aren't allowed to do because it might be too involved for a temp.
- You hear frequent stories about previous temps, all of whom were incompetent
- The temp is suspected of taking missing office supplies
- No one wants to take responsibility for a project that has gone wrong, so the temp is blamed
- The office has a party and you aren't invited because you aren't a permanent employee.
If any of the above scenarios occur regularly, you need to be aware that the company might have a bad image of temps.
While such attitudes are not ideal, they can sometimes be counteracted and reversed. Here is how:
- Confidently jump into a situation and assure people that you can do the work.
- Be open and let people get to know you. Don't count on coworkers to begin conversations. Let them know from the beginning that you aren't interested in their jobs, but you do enjoy getting to know people. Believe it or not, permanent employees frequently have the idea that temps don't want to talk; that they don't want to be part of the situation.
- Ask questions.
- Politely inform people when lengthy explanations for simple procedures are unnecessary.
- Show your resume to employers (you can explain that you're not applying for the job and that this is only for their information). Offering a list of your background and skills often sets people at ease.
This is often the case with government contractors, who are strictly regulated. Such companies generally require temps to fill out nondisclosure agreements and sign in and out of the building. In extreme cases, temps may not be allowed anywhere in the building without supervision. Also, when a company is large, permanent employees may not realize when a temporary worker steps on board. They may assume that temps are permanent employees from another department.
Don't contribute to the problem. Do not be on your phone all day (unless your job requires this), or play games when there is work to be done. This kind of attitude pins a bad image on all temporary workers who follow you.
But suppose that you find yourself in a hostile environment, even after following these steps. In this case, do not be combative. Simply start looking for another assignment so you can phase out of your current one. Remember that employers don't know you well enough to be personal in their attitudes.
Do your job as professionally and conscientiously as possible. Continue to be pleasant to people and show companies that temps can be competent, intelligent, and congenial workers.
Image Source: Freepik.com
