Make Temps Want to Return: Small Office Perks That Work

Why Do Some Temps Love Certain Offices?

If you’ve ever used temps to fill shifts at your dental clinic or pharmacy, you probably know the difference between a temp who can’t wait to come back — and one who politely declines next time.

Temps talk. Good offices get a reputation for being welcoming and organized, while others struggle to find last-minute help. The secret? Small perks and thoughtful touches that make a big difference in how a temp feels during their shift.

Let’s break down what really works — and why it matters for your bottom line.

1. A Warm Welcome Goes a Long Way

Imagine arriving at an unfamiliar workplace: you don’t know where anything is, you’re not sure who’s in charge, and you have to jump into patient care immediately.

A friendly, planned welcome can ease that stress. Try this:

1. Greet them by name at the door.
2. Show them where they can store their belongings.
3. Give a quick 5-minute tour: supply closet, washrooms, staff room, charting system.

A temp who feels comfortable from the first minute is more confident, works faster, and leaves with a good impression.

2. Have Clear Instructions Ready

Temps don’t know your unique workflow. Help them hit the ground running with:

• A printed cheat sheet: common procedures, emergency contacts, passwords (if needed).
• A daily schedule so they know what to expect.
• Clear expectations: who to report to, breaks, and how to ask questions.

This tiny prep makes the day smoother for everyone — and means less micromanaging for you.

3. Respect Their Time and Skills

Temps want to help — but they’re not there to be unpaid overtime heroes. Pay them fairly and on time. If they need to stay late to wrap up patient care, compensate them for it.

Also, trust their skills. Micromanaging or second-guessing temps can feel disrespectful and makes them less likely to return.

4. Little Comforts Make a Big Impact

You don’t need a fancy lunch or huge bonus. Small comforts add up:

1. A clean break room with coffee or tea.
2. A spot to keep their phone and bag secure.
3. A quick break to catch their breath.

One pharmacy manager we spoke with keeps protein bars and water bottles handy for temp techs on busy days. It’s minor — but memorable.

5. Include Temps in Team Culture

Temps know they’re “temporary” — but nobody likes to feel invisible. Encourage your team to:

• Introduce themselves.
• Invite the temp to join lunch or breaks.
• Thank them at the end of the shift.

When temps feel like they belong — even for a day — they’re much more likely to pick up future shifts.

6. Give Positive Feedback and Recommendations

Everyone likes to know they did a good job. A quick “Thank you, you were a lifesaver today!” goes a long way.

If you use a temp platform like Relief Buddy, leave them a positive review. It helps them get more work — and shows you appreciate their effort.

7. Ask for Their Feedback Too

Want to get better? Ask your temps what worked and what didn’t. Maybe they needed clearer instructions, or found a piece of equipment hard to use.

Constructive feedback helps you fine-tune your onboarding and keeps temps happy.

8. Build Relationships with Your Favourite Temps

When you find a great temp who clicks with your team, treat them like gold!

1. Request them directly for future shifts.
2. Offer them first pick on available dates.
3. Consider them for permanent roles if you have one open.

Great temps often have lots of options — be the office they want to say “yes” to.

9. Perks to Stand Out from Other Offices

Want to go the extra mile? Some dental offices and pharmacies offer perks like:

• Free lunch on long days.
• A small gift card for covering a last-minute shift.
• Flexible shift times or early finish if the day allows.

These cost very little — but can turn a one-time temp into a loyal go-to.

10. Happy Temps = Reliable Coverage

When your office is known as a great place to pick up shifts, you’ll rarely struggle to fill an open slot.

Temps often choose offices based on how well they’re treated. Word spreads quickly in local temp groups and on platforms like Relief Buddy. An office that shows appreciation attracts the best people — and keeps them coming back.

Final Thoughts: Make Small Changes, See Big Results

In the busy world of healthcare staffing, you can’t always control when someone calls in sick or takes parental leave. But you can control how easy it is to find quality help, and how well those temps support your practice.

A bit of warmth, clear instructions, fair pay, and tiny perks can transform your reputation from “last resort” to “favourite workplace.”