The staffing service historically known as Labor Ready now operates primarily under the brand PeopleReady, part of the TrueBlue family of companies. This service provides on-demand, temporary staffing solutions for businesses needing skilled and unskilled labor on short notice. The agency acts as the employer of record, handling payroll and administrative duties while connecting workers with assignments across various industries. Understanding the operational flow from registration to daily pay is essential for navigating work opportunities through this system.
Getting Started: Registration and Requirements
The initial step for a prospective worker involves completing an application, which can typically be done online or by visiting a local branch office. This process includes providing personal information and detailing any specific skills or certifications. The company conducts standard employment verification, requiring documentation to confirm identity and eligibility to work in the United States, consistent with I-9 regulations.
New workers undergo a basic orientation session covering company policies, safety protocols, and expectations for conduct on a job site. Depending on the client or the nature of the work, some positions may require the worker to pass a background check or a pre-assignment drug screening. Completing all necessary paperwork and initial training is a prerequisite before a worker is eligible for dispatch to a job site.
How Work Assignments Are Secured
Securing an assignment begins with the worker actively indicating their availability, often called “checking in.” This can be done through a dedicated mobile application, a phone call, or an in-person visit to the branch. The system matches the worker’s stated skills, current location, and availability against client requests. Assignments are typically filled on a first-come, first-served basis among qualified workers.
Once a match is identified, the branch dispatcher contacts the worker to provide the job details, including the client’s name, location, scope of work, and expected duration. Accepting the assignment confirms a commitment to arrive on time and prepared to work the full shift. Workers who consistently demonstrate reliability and good performance are often prioritized by dispatchers for future assignments.
Understanding Pay and Compensation
Workers employed through the agency are W-2 employees, meaning the company handles all necessary payroll deductions, including federal, state, and local taxes, Social Security, and Medicare contributions. The pay rate for each assignment is determined by the specific client request and the nature of the work, often falling within the standard market range for temporary labor in that region. The hourly wage is communicated to the worker before they accept the assignment.
The most common method for receiving compensation is through a proprietary PayCard, which functions as a prepaid debit card and allows for daily pay access. After completing a shift, the worker or the client confirms the hours worked, and funds are typically loaded onto the PayCard by the end of the same business day or the next business day. This convenience addresses the immediate financial needs of many workers utilizing the temporary staffing model. Workers also have the option to set up direct deposit to a personal bank account, though this may slightly delay access to funds.
Common Job Types and Industries
The temporary staffing model services a wide variety of industries that require flexible labor to manage fluctuating workloads and short-term projects. The specific demand for these job types is highly dependent on the local economic activity and the needs of businesses operating near the branch location. Assignments can range from a single four-hour shift to multi-week projects depending on the client’s requirements.
Common industries utilizing temporary staff include:
- Construction sites, requesting general laborers for site cleanup, material moving, and demolition tasks.
- Manufacturing and warehouse facilities, needing assistance with assembly lines, packing, shipping, and inventory management.
- The logistics sector, utilizing employees for tasks related to loading, unloading, and sorting freight in distribution centers.
- Hospitality and event management, relying on staff for event setup and breakdown, cleaning crews, and general support.
Maximizing Success as a Temporary Employee
Workers seeking consistent and higher-quality assignments should prioritize punctuality and professional conduct on every job site. Arriving early and being ready to start work immediately demonstrates a level of commitment that clients and dispatchers notice. Maintaining open communication with the local branch manager about availability and performance helps secure preference for future work requests.
Accepting a diversity of assignments, even those outside of a preferred skill set, can increase a worker’s overall hours and build a reputation for flexibility. Temporary roles frequently serve as a probationary period, offering the opportunity to transition to a full-time position directly with the client company, known as a temp-to-hire arrangement. Positive performance and a responsible attitude are effective strategies for leveraging temporary work into stable employment.