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This is one of the areas that an insights survey by contractor service provider, PayStream, analysed, as it set out to explore how temporary workers feel about their current positions, as well as their future prospects.
Agency relationships
When asked what channels a contractor uses when looking for a new contract the recruitment agency came out on top with three quarters of all contractors using a recruitment agency.
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Of the 1,600 temporary workers surveyed, 73 per cent viewed their past experiences with recruiters in a positive light, with the professional manner in which they were dealt with being highlighted by a significant number as a valued part of the service.
In addition, working with an agency delivering a seamless end-to-end process was also an aspect of the service they valued.
However, 27 per cent of respondents highlighted areas were an agency could improve the service they provide. Some of the common themes here included the feeling that their consultant did not communicate with them enough and also that they did not receive an adequate amount of support after the placement.
The majority of contractors reported that their dealings with recruiters had been efficient with 57 per cent saying that it took them less than one month to find their role.
This did vary by sector with 17 per cent of Construction contractors having to wait six months or more before securing their next position.
Personal
Contractors were asked not only about the relationship with their agencies, but also their relationships with the recruitment consultants.
The outcomes of this research highlighted that the majority of temporary staff believed it was 'very important' to have a close relationship with their personal contact at the agency.
The top three qualities that contractors looked for in a consultant were trust, efficiency and experience.
Even though contractors value a strong relationship with their consultant, when asked ‘what would they do if their consultant was to leave’ 65 per cent of contractors said they would be loyal to their agency.
However, a third reported that even though they would stay with the agency, they would also register with another to widen their options and see what different consultants could potentially do for them.
This viewpoint appeared to be more typical of older workers, with those aged 65 and over more likely to value a long-term relationship with a recruiter. Contractors in all of the other age groups tended to position this in fifth place in terms of what they want from an agency.
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Susie Hughes © Shout99 2015
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