Hourly employees and their employers are often disconnected.

The disconnect usually starts at the very beginning of their relationship.  The hourly employee wants a full-time job, but the company hires them on a part-time basis.

From the company's perspective, part-time staffing models give an element of flexibility, and can also save on expensive health insurance and other benefits. It's a trial period. Basically they're giving their part-time employees the opportunity to Summer Audition for a permanent leading role.

On the other hand, part-time employees often want the hours and benefits that come with full-time positions.

How can you get this relationship off to a good start?  Make sure you both have a clear understanding of the Summer Audition.

The Company's Summer Audition

Companies always need to remember that employees may come and go, but their recruiting brand can last quite a while in the minds of candidates. Never underestimate how quickly word gets out about a bad recruiting, on-boarding, training, or supervisor experience. It's important to make sure that everything is clear from the very beginning:

• An easy, mobile-friendly application process
• Orientation and on-the-job training
• Expectations: Schedule, dress code, minimum job requirements, customer service, and what "going the extra mile" looks like
• Relationship building: Regular one-on-one feedback sessions with the manager. Remember, this is a two-way street! Listening closely to employees at this stage of the relationship can prevent turnover, employee relations issues, and even union organizing
• Potential career paths: Shift leader, Assistant Manager, General Manager, etc.
• Career path tools: Online training, degree requirements for promotions, mentoring programs, etc.
• Compensation: Bonus opportunities, pay review schedule, typical raise percentages, benefits opportunities

It's fine to let candidates know that there aren't any guarantees for promotions or transfers to full-time status. In fact, candidates will appreciate your honesty and transparency. Just make sure they know all of the job requirements so they can give you a winning performance during their Summer Audition.

The Employee's Summer Audition

Let's assume that the employee has a good understanding of the company's role in the Summer Audition process.  Here are some things they should focus on:

• Minimum requirements: Dress, attendance, job execution
• Customer service
• Honest feedback during the one-on-one meetings with their managers. It's OK to ask for help and more training. 
• Self-awareness:  Is this really the right company or role for me?

Open and honest communication with your new part-time employee will help them successfully fulfill your expectations and help the understand how their role fits into the broader company mission. It will also help you understand if you have the right person in the role or if you need to continue your recruiting efforts.

A Summer Audition gives you a chance to assess your part-time employees' performance, attendance, customer service, and other key indicators. Use this time wisely! Most part-time employees want full-time positions, so at some point you need to turn that Summer Audition into a permanent role. The employees that successfully Summer Audition may be the stars of your show during the busy holiday season.

Just don't forget that while you're giving your employee a chance to Summer Audition, they are also auditioning you. Keep the lines of communication open so you're both always ready to perform.

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Liz D’Aloia is the founder of HR Virtuoso Company, a mobile recruiting software platform. She is also an official blogger for TDn2K’s Summer Brand Camp. She practices weekly for her #SummerAudition at the #SBrandCamp Talent Show by spending time with Ben & Jerry and hopes to be selected for the s'mores eating competition.  

Download our free Mobile Recruiting eBook for ideas about how to get your recruiting strategy ready for a #SummerAudition.

Connect with Liz on LinkedIn, follow her @hrvirtuoso, and check out #SummerAudition for more recruiting tips.

Image source: http://www.palycampanile.org/archives/2717