How to find the right general labor staffing agency for your staffing needs

Over 1.7 million Americans are missing from the workforce compared to February 2020, according to a recent report by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. As a result, many employers in blue-collar industries are partnering with staffing agencies to secure general labor staffing services and meet their workforce needs.

Is this your first time looking for a general labor staffing agency? Below you’ll find some of the key questions you should ask before you decide which staffing partner to choose.

Questions to ask a staffing agency about their general labor staffing solutions

What makes your staffing agency the best option to hire general laborers?

As you begin your search for a general labor staffing agency, you’ll likely see plenty of options available. While having so many choices might seem great at first, it can also make it challenging to select the best staffing agency for your specific needs.

So, what separates the best from the rest? One of the most important things to consider is their company history along with any notable accomplishments. We recommend searching for an agency that has a proven track record of success in serving your industry. Be sure to ask for references or testimonials from other companies who can vouch for the staffing agency’s services.

Could you share more about your experience hiring general laborers?

Many staffing agencies are relatively new to the field, while others specialize only in certain industries or sectors. This often means they have a smaller pool of applicants to draw from, potentially impacting the quantity and quality of workers they can provide.

On the other hand, you can depend on a staffing agency that specializes in general labor staffing solutions to offer the appropriate support at all times. They know just how to identify the right workers for your company and can give you convenient access to a broader pool of candidates.

What types of general laborers are you able to provide?

Depending on which industry you’re in, you may rely on various types of general laborers — ranging from debris removal workers to construction flaggers to warehouse inventory assistants, among others. Unfortunately, some staffing agencies only specialize in hiring for one specific type of role, and this can prolong your staffing process even further.

As for general labor staffing agencies, they’re able to fill many different types of roles. They can also keep up with your changing needs by providing workers across a wide range of industries. For example:

• Manufacturing staffing
• Warehouse staffing
• Construction staffing
• Event staffing
• Hospitality staffing
• Retail staffing

Are you able to offer flexible staffing options for our general labor workforce?

For many reasons, flexible staffing solutions benefit employers and employees alike. This type of staffing flexibility can be a great advantage for your company’s current and future hiring needs, ensuring that you always have enough workers to get the job done right.

When you’re deciding which staffing agency is right for you, consider whether or not they offer flexible staffing arrangements. For example:

• Temporary workers: Whether you’re struggling to staff certain projects or looking to fill in for employees on vacation or sick leave, temporary workers can be a major asset to your workforce in the short-term.
• Seasonal workers: When business picks up during the winter holidays or other busy times of year, seasonal workers can provide some much-needed stability and keep your business moving forward.
• Temp-to-hire workers: This type of staffing arrangement gives you the opportunity to see if your temporary general laborers might be right for a full-time role in the future.

What recruiting methods do you typically use to find general labor to hire?

An effective recruitment strategy involves carefully sourcing and selecting workers to ensure they are the ideal fit for your company. Your choice for a staffing agency will have built up a solid network of local connections, which may include veterans organizations, colleges and universities, and local and regional government institutions.

The agency can also use their social media channels and other common outreach efforts, such as job fairs or industry workshops, to connect with job seekers who might be considering their next job. Their community reach helps them expand their candidate pool, increasing the likelihood that you’ll find the best workers possible.

How do you ensure that the general laborers you provide follow safety protocols?

Your choice for a staffing partner should take safety seriously at all times. Their expertise and protocols can help to reduce common health and safety hazards. For starters, they should have their own Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP) and supply basic Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for general laborers and any other workers they may provide.

Their commitment to safety will also be made clear if they require workers to undergo a safety assessment before they are assigned to your jobsite. This considered approach demonstrates their dedication to keeping everyone on the jobsite safe.

What is your screening process for general labor workers you recommend?

When you hire general laborers and other workers for your business, a robust vetting process is crucial. Without it, you risk placing unqualified workers who may not meet your quality standards or possess the necessary skills, potentially impacting project timelines and safety.

Fortunately, your staffing agency can manage the screening process so that you always have a strong workforce in place. Their in-depth screenings help identify workers who have the necessary skills and can perform up to your standards. As a result, you can create a productive work environment for your entire team.

Does your general labor staffing agency have a presence in my local community?

Finding job seekers who are fit for the job can be challenging, particularly in areas with limited networking opportunities or few active job seekers. If that’s the case, it takes a more creative approach to attracting the right candidates for your general labor jobs.

The right staffing agency for you has spent time building and growing relationships to expand their local network and gain valuable expertise. With their active presence in your community, they have a clear understanding of the local hiring market and can provide tailored workforce solutions to meet your needs.

Are you able to provide staffing support for multiple locations?

Managing staffing needs across multiple locations is quite a balancing act. And in fact, many staffing agencies lack the capability to provide staffing services in different cities or states due to their limited reach.

If you’re operating in many different locations, staffing agencies with a regional or national presence are in the best position to deliver general labor staffing services. They’ll have considerable resources available and can account for the hiring market in each community you serve, ensuring that each of your jobsites has a right-sized workforce.

What’s your solution for managing last-minute general labor hiring needs?

Unexpected situations like special projects, shifting deadlines or employee absences can create sudden staffing needs. Flexible general labor staffing services can help your company navigate these events without missing a single step.

The ideal staffing agency to deliver these services for your business gives you the ability to scale your workforce as needed. This ensures you have convenient access to supplemental workers when you need it most. Whether it’s busy seasons or ongoing support, a qualified staffing agency can connect you with dependable workers who can keep your operations running smoothly.

What other general labor staffing services can your staffing agency offer?

Building a strong workforce requires a robust hiring process, thorough onboarding, and assorted payroll and administrative tasks. While essential, these steps can be complex and time-consuming for employers across all industries.

As part of their general labor staffing services, staffing agencies can take on these duties and responsibilities for you, freeing you to focus on other key aspects of your business. Plus, they can handle all compliance tasks to ensure that your workforce adheres to all local and federal employment laws. This is especially crucial given the increased prevalence of misclassification issues.

Can you help us develop a long-term staffing plan for our company?

As your business grows and changes, so too will your staffing requirements. A reputable staffing agency serves as a reliable partner, assisting you in sourcing and hiring general laborers to address both your immediate and long-term needs.

One of the key general labor staffing services the agency can offer is support in developing a long-term staffing plan that considers your locations, services and other factors specific to your business. When you work with experts in general labor staffing, they can offer valuable guidance and insights for your future hiring efforts, setting your company up for long-term success.

Hire general laborers with PeopleReady general labor staffing solutions

PeopleReady is your trusted partner for general labor staffing needs, whether you need to hire general labor workers on a temporary basis or for a more long-term arrangement.

Our PeopleReady teams serve hundreds of markets throughout the U.S., so we know the specific hiring market in your local area. Meanwhile, our dedicated support team combined with our JobStack app gives you access to our general labor staffing solutions at all times. So, if you’re wondering where you can find general laborers who are available now, check out our locations page to get started.