Date of Award

2015

Document Type

Master Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Business

Department

School of Business

First Advisor

Dr. D. O'Donovan

Abstract

Over the last 10 years, the requirement for temporary workers has shown significant increases. Casual and part-time workers, on the live register, have increased during this period from 20,752 to 71,744. In March 2013 the numbers rose to 89,798, an all-time high in Ireland (Central Statistics Office, 2014). Consequently, it is becoming increasingly important to observe how organisations undertake engagement with temporary employees. This research study focusses on the employee engagement levels of a temporary agency workforce, working in an e-commerce organisation, on behalf of a third party agency. Questionnaires were completed by 55 temporary agency workers and three direct managers. The questionnaires focussed upon engagement, commitment and inclusion levels. In addition, examined factors contributing to these, and whether or not they impacted upon improving performance and adding value to the organisation. Analysis of the findings highlighted both similarities and differences between the views and opinions that temporary agency workers and management held of employee engagement. Overall, engagement levels were high for the majority of temporary agency workers however, the degree to which they felt included and commitment was generally lower. Moreover, it was apparent that although temporary agency workers felt engaged they did not feel as committed or included as their permanent counterparts. Another key finding was that the level in which a temporary agency worker felt engaged, impacted their performance and productivity. The management opinion generally agreed with this finding however, felt that there was a lower level of commitment from the temporary workers. They also supported the view that temporary agency workers, who were engaged, had a significant part to play in adding value to the organisational success.

Access Level

info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess

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