Guide to Flexible Working

Essential know-how from Kelly Services

Demand for temporary and contract workers continues to rise as flexible working becomes a way of life in many companies. Temporary staff are becoming an integral part of business and the best can expect rich rewards. So, whether you are a student looking for holiday work, a college leaver just setting out into the workplace, in a permanent job but would like to consider temporary work or keen to make temping your career you may have quite a few questions that need answering.

What is temporary work?

Temporary work means that you are not employed on a permanent basis by anyone. You have the freedom and flexibility to decide when you want to work and for how long. Kelly has a vast range of different temporary assignments on offer and they can range from a couple of days, a six-month assignment or a three-year contract and from part-time (just a few hours a day) to full time.

Temporary help is the most buoyant sector of the employment market - in fact there is a real shortage of talent and that's where you come in.

What skills and qualifications do I need?

Whatever sector you work in, it is important to keep your skills up to date, as many employers will use temporary staff to bring specific skills into the company. If you are an office worker using computers then you will find that we have developed our own computer based training system PinPoint™ which is a very effective and fast way to learn new software.

If you have keyboard and other general office skills and you want to use them, then you will probably find yourself working in an office environment and even if you haven't you may be able to take on a clerical role.

Temporary work is available right across the workplace, so there are opportunities for everyone, but is particularly strong in banking, insurance and telecommunications.

Whatever your skills and experience Kelly can help make the most of them by matching you to the right job.

Will there be a chance to make progress?

Your performance at work is carefully monitored both by Kelly and by the employer. In many cases we can offer free training programmes which will extend and improve your skills.

For instance, if you have very basic keyboard skills we can help you improve your speed and accuracy, you may also be eligible for training in word-processing, database or spreadsheets. Kelly's system PinPoint™ can train in over 50 software packages including the latest Windows applications. Kelly is committed to equipping its temporaries with the best and most up to date skills in the marketplace.

Temping offers you the perfect opportunity to taste a variety of working environments before you commit yourself. It can be a good way to start your career or a way of changing direction.

Can I rely on Kelly?

Kelly Services has a network of 28 branches throughout Malaysia. Each one is fully company-owned which means that whichever branch you use you can be sure of consistently professional service and a warm welcome.

A Kelly consultant will spend time with you, not only ensuring that we have your correct details but finding out what makes you tick and what sort of working environment you would like to be in.

We guarantee to treat you as an individual and to actively market you to our clients.

How will I be paid?

As a leading employment agency, we pay top rates for all types of work. Before any assignment your hourly rate will be agreed and you will be trained on Kelly E-Time, our online payslip system. At the end of the assignment or end of the week you simply complete your payslip online, and your pay goes directly into your bank account.

How will I know what to do on my first day?

Most companies will assign someone to show you the ropes on your first day but just in case you feel a bit lost then you might like to use the following checklist to make sure you know the essentials before starting work.

Office geography

Find out where you will be sitting, where the toilets are, if there is a special eating area etc.

Equipment

Make sure you have all the necessary equipment to do your work and that it is working. If you are unsure about any aspect of the operation then either ask someone in the office or ask your Kelly consultant.

Key personnel

Make sure you are introduced to the people with whom you will be working and that you also know the names of the key people within the organisation.

Company style

If you will be answering the telephone ask how the company like it to be done, how they like messages taken, how the internal telephone system works and for an internal telephone list. Ask for examples of letters and reports etc. to show you the house style.

Photocopier/Fax

Make sure you know how to use both and find out if you need to keep a record.

Working together

Working with someone for the first time isn't always easy. Whatever type of work you are doing, everyone has their own way of doing things so it is important that you are absolutely clear on the following points:

What is the deadline?

What should the work look like when it is finished?

Do you have all the information/ resources to complete the task?

If you have any queries who will be available to ask?

Remember – good communication is the key to a successful working relationship.

Why should I choose Kelly?

There are lots of reasons why Kelly Services should be your number one choice for temporary work. First of all, we will look after you properly. That means we will pay you top rates, give you regular work and access to free training together with a range of flexible benefits. We are keen to recognise and reward excellence and every month our most outstanding temporaries receive the Kelly Elite Award.

Finally, there is much more to your local Kelly branch than just finding you work – they will invite you to regular social events where you can make new friends and have a chance to get to know the local team better.