Five reasons membership organisations should consider temporary, seasonal staff
For membership organisations, seasonal peaks such as renewals, conferences, or AGMs can stretch resources and impact service quality. These busy periods often require additional hands to ensure operations run smoothly, staff aren’t overburdened, and members remain satisfied.
Temporary seasonal staff offer a practical and flexible solution, providing much-needed support exactly when it’s required. Whether it’s event coordination, processing renewals, or managing member communications, temporary hires bring the flexibility to meet fluctuating demands without committing to long-term staffing costs.
This guide highlights the benefits of hiring temporary seasonal staff in the membership sector, showing how they can ease demand, support your team, and sustain excellent member experiences.
What is a “Temporary Seasonal Worker”?
A temporary seasonal worker is hired for a defined period to support an organisation during its busiest times. Their responsibilities can range from covering staff absences and managing workloads to assisting with specific projects or peak seasons.
For membership organisations, this might include bringing in a temporary events coordinator to oversee logistics during a large conference or hiring administrative support to process member renewals efficiently. These workers are typically experienced in adapting quickly, require minimal onboarding, and deliver immediate results, making them invaluable during busy periods.
1. Flexibility to Adapt Without Long-Term Commitments
Temporary staff offer the flexibility to scale your workforce up or down depending on immediate needs. Unlike permanent roles, these short-term hires come without the obligations of long-term contracts. For membership organisations that often operate within tight budgets, this adaptability can make all the difference.
Seasonal staffing is also an efficient way to manage costs. By hiring temporary workers, you avoid expenses tied to full-time employees, such as pensions and benefits. For example, a membership body handling an influx of event registrations might only require additional help for three months. Temporary hires ensure you’re only paying for the time and resources you need, making them a cost-effective solution for unpredictable workloads.
2. Preventing Staff Burnout
When demand spikes, the burden on permanent staff can be overwhelming. Overloading employees not only risks burnout but can also negatively affect morale and productivity. Increased workload is currently the leading cause of burnout, accounting for 58% of cases, followed by staff shortages, which contribute to 42%, according to recent research.
Temporary workers can alleviate this pressure, keeping workloads manageable and teams motivated. For membership organisations, this means your core team remains focused, engaged, and able to maintain the high service standards that members expect.
3. Bridging Skills Gaps Quickly
Nearly two-thirds of UK employers report facing a skills shortage, making it a pressing challenge for many organisations. Temporary staff can help bridge these gaps by bringing specialised expertise exactly when it’s needed. Whether you require proficiency in CRM systems, event management, or handling high volumes of member enquiries, temporary workers deliver immediate value without the long-term commitment.
For membership organisations, this could involve hiring a temp to oversee a complex data migration project, design a targeted marketing campaign, or implement digital solutions to enhance member engagement.
4. Immediate Impact Without Long Onboarding
Temporary staff are used to integrating into new teams quickly, which means they can start contributing almost immediately. This reduces the time spent on training and onboarding, ensuring your organisation gets the help it needs without delay. For membership organisations facing tight deadlines or unexpected staffing gaps, this swift onboarding can be a lifesaver.
This isn’t to say that a good onboarding experience isn’t important, however. According to Gallup, only 12% of employees feel their organisation excels at onboarding - a missed opportunity, as effective onboarding can boost productivity by up to 70%. Even for temporary workers, a smooth onboarding process sets them up for success and ensures they deliver maximum value during their placement.
5. Improved Member Satisfaction During Peak Times
High-quality member service is the backbone of successful membership organisations. However, during busy periods, it can be challenging to maintain this standard. Temporary staff ensure your members continue to receive the support and attention they deserve, even during peak times.
A lapse in service, whether from slower response times or disorganised events, can lead to dissatisfaction or even member attrition. By hiring temporary staff, membership organisations can avoid these pitfalls, demonstrating reliability and care to their members. Consistent service during peak times fosters trust and loyalty, helping to retain members over the long term.
Conclusion
From reducing costs and preventing burnout to introducing new ideas and fostering member satisfaction, temporary workers provide the flexibility and expertise that membership bodies need to thrive.
If your organisation is gearing up for a busy season, now is the time to explore temporary staffing options. With the right approach, these hires can be the key to meeting demand, maintaining service excellence, and supporting your permanent team. When it comes to finding tailored talent for the membership sector, consider working with specialists like Membership Bespoke to ensure every hire makes a meaningful impact.
Why choose Membership Bespoke for your Temporary Talent needs?
With an award-winning track record in our temporary, interim and contract staffing services, our pool of qualified, pre-vetted multi-disciplinary candidates are ready to spring into action!
Our temp and interim personnel bring a range of benefits including introducing brand new skills into your teams, fast-tracking the discovery of your future leaders, and reducing the stress on hiring permanent employees.