Hiring temps shouldn’t feel like a risk -
and with the right setup, it isn’t.
Insights from the Marketing, Sales & Events Team
By Andrea Pell, Director at Handle Recruitment
If hiring temporary workers has ever felt like a gamble, where you are not sure how to get the best from the worker, they appear disengaged, or not met your expectations, this guide is for you. Temporary workers can bring unrivalled value to your business... if you set them up for success.
Whether you’ve struggled to get value from temps in the past, or you’re exploring it for the first time, this guide is built to help you make it work - for your team and for the people you hire.
I’ve spent the last 14 years supporting marketing, sales, and events teams with short-term hires, and wanted to share what works (and what doesn’t) from both sides.
Be Clear from the Start
A successful temp hire starts with a clear brief, but that doesn’t mean you need to have everything worked out before coming to us. Part of our role is helping shape that brief with you and we can define:
The key skills required for the role
The contract length and budget
What success in the role should look like
This process helps ensure we’re aligned before briefing candidates - making it easier to find the right fit and manage expectations from the beginning.
Move Fast on Feedback
We work with urgency - and we ask our clients to do the same if possible. Delayed decisions and radio silence often lead to losing top candidates. We always communicate realistic timelines, but if feedback takes a week, a candidate’s interest may have shifted elsewhere. Whether it’s CVs or post-interview notes, quick turnaround keeps momentum and engagement high.
Make Onboarding Count
A smooth start sets the tone. We often ask clients: are you set up for someone to work remotely? Are expectations clear around hybrid working? Do you have a basic first-day structure in place?
We help clients map this out - from step-by-step onboarding guides to outlining what the first week looks like. With some clients we build this for them. Even small gestures - a welcome message, team introduction, a sense of plan - make a big difference. And if you’re hiring multiple temps, this structure becomes even more important.
Keep the Communication Going
Checking in makes people feel seen. We support our clients by running first-day and fortnightly check-ins with both the candidate and the hiring team. Regular contact - even a quick call - goes a long way.
Don’t underestimate the power of casual inclusion. Invite temps to meetings, let them join social catch-ups, and keep them in the loop. Feeling part of the team, even for a short time, changes how someone shows up.
We understand and empathise that, from time to time, temporary placements may not work out as planned. This can happen for a variety of reasons from either party. Clear communication with us can ensure a prompt solution - whether that means discussing and addressing any challenges or, if the role simply isn’t the right fit, sourcing a replacement candidate and seeking a more suitable opportunity for the individual.
Recognise, Reward, and Reflect
Temps want to feel like they’re making a difference, not just filling a gap. If you’re swamped (and we know many people in the events world are), set aside even ten minutes for a quick Friday call or schedule a weekly planning slot. Making time for recognition shows someone they matter, even if they’re only with you for a short while.
And when the assignment wraps, ask for feedback. Get their thoughts on the role, the process, the company culture - and actually use it. All feedback is beneficial to highlight areas that are working well and any gaps in training / knowledge for the next hire; it also shows that their input is respected and appreciated.
Don’t Close the Door
Just because someone was hired short-term doesn’t mean it’s the end of the story. Stay in touch. Consider all temporary workers for any long-term future hires in the business – we are always more than happy to provide alternate roles to candidates following some excellent feedback from a temporary role! Some of your strongest future hires might start as short-term support - we’ve seen it happen more times than we can count.
Temporary workers can add genuine value to your business when they’re hired and managed intentionally. Most candidates bring their full energy to the role when they’re given the space and structure to succeed - and we can help you create that.
How We Can Help
We don’t just find you amazing temporary workers, we manage the process end to end.
We brief clearly, onboard thoroughly, and check in regularly.
We can payroll temps directly, reducing your admin load.
We take care of right to work checks, pension contributions, and all compliance.
Most importantly, we work fast, because your workload doesn’t wait.
Hiring temps isn’t just good for workload it’s good for the industry. It gives candidates valuable experience, and it gives businesses a flexible way to stay productive, so if you're feeling stretched, unable to hire permanent staff, or simply need support managing short-term peaks, temporary hiring could be the solution.
Want to explore how temps could help your team? Contact me below:
 | | Andrea PellDirector | Sales, Marketing & Event Operations☎️ 020 7569 9978 📩 andrea.pell@handle.co.uk |
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About Handle Recruitment
We opened the doors in 1978 and built our reputation in the music industry. We quickly realised that a great brand is not always a household name. A great brand is something people connect with, not just a place they work. Somewhere that helps them become better at what they do. It could be a record label, it could be in media, it could be a tech start-up.
Supporting Great People in Marketing | Finance | HR | Office Support | Sales | Legal | Event Operations | Post-Production.
The Talent Solutions we provide, Permanent, Temporary and Interim Recruitment | People Consultancy | Outsourced Freelancer Payroll & Compliance.
The Industries we support: Music | Film | TV | Entertainment | Fashion | Live Events | Sport | Publishing | Post-production.