The Challenge

To meet fluctuating orders promptly and cost effectively Sapa uses temporary workers to augment their regular production packing team.

Sapa’s requirement for packing staff fluctuates between 30 - 100 temporaries per week and lead times are short for cancellation or confirmation of assignments.

The Wise Solution

Instead of complaining about short lead times, Wise Employment appointed an Account Manager, who took time out to meet with the key personnel at Sapa and understand what drives their requirements. We realised that by attending weekly sales meetings, as well as liasing closely with the HR Department and line managers, we would have the earliest possible indication of order volumes, thereby gaining more time to identify and allocate the required staff.

Our aim is to become a natural extension of Sapa’s HR and Production Teams, working within their agreed lead times to deliver a flexible manpower solution. This means not only addressing supply issues, but also retention.

Experience has taught us that when there is a high volume of temporary workers on site, morale and retention is assisted by easy access to their agency representative. So, during the peak months, our industrial temporary consultant will visit the site during break times to handle any queries or concerns. Whilst on-site he/she will also take the opportunity to check performance and progress with line managers and gain early warning of any unforeseen requirements.

Another key to retention is providing more varied and responsible work, at an enhanced pay rate, for long-term staff. To this end we are working with Sapa to introduce a development programme for experienced temporaries to act as trainers and mentors for new recruits. We are also discussing methods of improving retention and attendance.

The Outcome

By working as part of Sapa’s team, with the focus on their business objectives, we have successfully established ourselves as Sapa’s Preferred Supplier for industrial temporary staff.