Why is onboarding so difficult to get right?
1. Volume and velocity. You might be placing dozens (or even hundreds) of workers into roles each week. There are common checks needed for every candidate, but each assignment and client has their own quirks which can add up to make a standard onboarding process “standard-ish”.
2. Compliance complexity.
A typical temp programme has layered obligations: core Right to Work and data protection; Agency Worker Regulations (AWR) for parity; Working Time Regulations; IR35 for off‑payroll arrangements; safeguarding/DBS in sensitive sectors; client‑specific supplier frameworks and umbrella company policies. That’s before you add document expiries, visa renewals, and insurance proofs.
3. Fragmented tools, systems and vendors.
It’s common to see ATS + e‑signature + ID verification platform + background screening + a separate scheduling app. Each handoff between these introduces risk (data mismatch, missed steps, re‑keying) and friction (log‑ins, lost links). Our customers repeatedly report the same pains: recruiters spending more time chasing forms than placing, and candidates bailing on clunky workflows.
4. Mobile or bust for candidates.
Most temps will complete onboarding on their phone, often between shifts. If your process isn’t mobile‑first the chances are that candidate will stall or drop out.
