Integrate Contract Professionals into Your Organization to Maximize Their Success
By Jamy J. Sullivan, JD, Robert Half
Question:
My firm has been increasing the number of legal professionals we engage on a contract basis to help manage rising workloads and take on specialized tasks. Do you have any tips for the best way to integrate these legal professionals into our team?
Answer:
Good question. Employers’ use of interim help is rising with three-quarters of senior managers planning to rely more heavily on contract professionals in the coming years. So you’re already on the right track by wanting your core team and your contract professionals to work together smoothly.
Customize your onboarding program for contract workers
An effective onboarding process is a critical first step in integrating new employees, whether they’re hired on a permanent or contract basis. Develop a slimmed-down version that initiates contract professionals into your organizational culture. After that, schedule regular check-ins with these interim staff members to find out how they’re feeling about their assignments. Also, ask them for candid feedback on what you could do better when onboarding and integrating your next wave of contract professionals.
When managed well, hiring legal professionals on a contract basis can be more than just a short-term fix or a way to stay agile during uncertain times. By helping them understand how their contributions are helping your business overcome hurdles and move forward, you can maximize their value.
Jamy J. Sullivan is executive director of the legal practice at Robert Half, the world’s first and largest specialized talent solutions firm. Robert Half offers contract and permanent placement solutions, and is the parent company of Protiviti®, a global consulting firm. Visit RobertHalf.com.