Building Strong Employer Relationships
Strong employer relationships are the foundation of a successful worker center. When employers trust your center, they return with more jobs, pay on time, and treat workers fairly. Here's how to build and maintain those crucial partnerships.
Understanding Employer Needs
Employers come to worker centers because they need reliable labor quickly. Understanding their perspective helps you serve them better—and advocate more effectively for workers.
What employers value from your center:
- •Reliable workers: Pre-screened, skilled workers ready to work
- •Single point of contact: One call to fill multiple positions
- •Reduced liability: Clear documentation and accountability
- •Community goodwill: Supporting fair labor practices
The Onboarding Process
First impressions matter. When a new employer contacts your center, take time to explain how you work. Cover payment expectations, the dispatch process, and what you expect from them as partners.
This upfront investment prevents misunderstandings later and sets the tone for a professional relationship.
Maintaining Relationships
Good relationships require ongoing attention:
- •Follow up after jobs: Check in to ensure satisfaction
- •Address issues quickly: Resolve problems before they escalate
- •Communicate proactively: Keep employers informed of changes
- •Recognize good partners: Acknowledge employers who pay fairly and on time
When Relationships Go Wrong
Not every employer will be a good partner. Some will consistently pay late, mistreat workers, or create problems. Document issues carefully and be willing to end relationships that harm your workers or your center's reputation.
Having clear policies—and enforcing them consistently—actually strengthens your relationships with good employers. They appreciate working with a professional organization.
Growing Your Employer Base
Happy employers refer other employers. Focus on delivering excellent service to your current partners, and your employer base will grow organically. Word of mouth from satisfied employers is your best marketing.