The whitepaper, Leveraging the Contingent Workforce, surveyed hiring managers who employ contractors as well as professionals across Australia and New Zealand who are currently contracting or who have contracted in the past, from a range of professions such as human resources, marketing and law.
The survey also found that at the induction stage, 60 per cent of contractors have had difficulties logging on to IT systems, 53 per cent had experienced incomplete or unclear induction procedures, 45 per cent have had problems accessing information necessary to completing the project, 38 per cent complained of poor communication with colleagues and/or managers and 32 per cent have arrived on their first day to find no available workstation. This was despite most hiring managers stating that they take steps to induct new contractor staff.
"There are some discrepancies in how employers think they are managing contractors, as opposed to how contractors feel they are being managed. A simple review of recruitment, induction, retention and exit processes can increase the value employers are getting from contractors as well as improve the contractor experience," said Managing Director Australia and New Zealand James Nicholson.
The survey also found:
- 23 per cent of contractors have left a contract early
- The majority of contractors believe the biggest benefit of contracting is experience of different industry sectors and businesses with no need to commit
- The majority of employers believe that the biggest benefit of hiring contractors is bridging shortages of highly skilled and specialist staff