Life’s not perfect, and as much as you plan ahead as a manager and put some great teams of people in place, things happen and all of sudden you’re facing another midnight nightmare. There are many industries in which all the planning in the world won’t remove the need for last minute shift cover. We’ve put together a few top tips to help you work with an agency to minimise staffing stress.
Pass the problem
You’ve got enough to do. So let a reputable staffing agency do what they do best, and sort your temping problems. The right agency will have a strong pool of pre-screened, skilled individuals ready to step into temporary roles. By understanding your specific requirements, a staffing agency can efficiently match you with candidates possessing the right expertise and experience. The streamlined process not only saves time but also ensures the reliability and competence of the temp workers. The agency handles the intricacies of recruitment, from initial screening to onboarding, allowing you to focus on your core business operations. You do you.
Be prepared
First things first, you need to find the right agency. Look at identifying the key qualities you need to ensure efficiency and reliability. Firstly, responsiveness is crucial; the agency should be quick to understand and address urgent requirements. A diverse and verified temping bank is equally important; a comprehensive range of skills ensures that the agency can cater to various industry needs. Look for a transparent and communicative agency that keeps you informed throughout the hiring process. Adaptability is another essential quality; the agency should be adept at navigating unexpected challenges and adjusting strategies accordingly. Lastly, consider the agency’s reputation; reviews and testimonials can provide insights into their track record. Once you’ve created a shortlist, engage with your chosen few agencies to find out more about how they work and then begin the process of narrowing it down until you find the organisation that can meet your last-minute staffing needs with precision and professionalism.
Meet your match
A good staffing agency doesn’t just find you the people, it handles a whole range of HR processes on your behalf; administrative tasks, from payroll to compliance, reducing the burden on employers, depending on your needs. Maintaining quality in your temporary shift workforce is paramount, and partnering with a staffing agency can provide valuable insights. Firstly, clearly communicate your expectations and specific requirements to the agency. A collaborative approach ensures that the candidates presented align with your standards. Prioritise agencies with rigorous screening processes and awareness of regulatory compliance; thorough background checks and skill assessments guarantee the competence of temporary workers. Regularly communicate feedback to the agency, fostering a continuous improvement cycle. Additionally, consider agencies with a strong reputation for providing high-quality candidates. A history of successful placements is indicative of an agency’s commitment to delivering excellence. By establishing clear expectations, choosing agencies with robust screening processes, and maintaining open communication, you can ensure the consistent quality of your temporary shift workforce through the guidance of a reliable staffing agency.
Plan ahead
In many industries, unforeseen gaps in staffing are unavoidable, and working with an agency to fill last minute shifts is part of the landscape. However, a good agency will also work with you to not just supply qualified candidates ready to step in at short notice, they will also be willing to help you pre-empt such situations and minimise disruption. Contingency plans and agile staffing solutions are essential, but taking a strategic approach to rotas, bolstering employee retention and cultivating loyalty can help to ensure that more shifts are filled by qualified professionals familiar with your business and each other. This minimises cost and maximises efficiency. There are times when staffing needs to flex, but there are also benefits to making this a targeted approach, not business as usual. The right agency partner can help you to find this balance.
Let us Jiggle
Whether it’s sickness, spikes in workload or project-driven, partnering with a good staffing agency can take the pain out of filling last minute shifts. Clients can feel assured that the right person will turn up in the right place at the right time, making sure the job gets done and operations continue, seamlessly.
