Unplanned staffing vacancies can cause a headache in any healthcare facility, creating extra costs and increased patient loads for healthcare workers. According to the American Staffing Association (ASA), total staffing and recruiting industry sales in the U.S. increased 1.8 percent to $150 billion in 2016. This figure helps to demonstrate the increasing demand for both temporary and permanent staffing across the country.
When vacancies occur unexpectedly, it’s important to handle them effectively and efficiently so patient care is not compromised. By following the three tips outlined below, you can plan for unexpected vacancies without as much hassle.
Implement an employee referral system.
Employee referral systems are one of the most effective recruitment tactics for healthcare organizations. According to Lever.com, employee referrals have been found almost 10 times more efficient at finding best candidates. By encouraging employees to refer qualified applicants even when you don't have openings, you may have an easier time finding top candidates quickly when staffing vacancies come up. After all, who knows your culture better than your employees? You can offer employee bonus incentives to create a win-win for both you and your team
Utilize modern technology for recruitment purposes.
With the Internet offering constant and immediate access to potential applicants, now is a great time to develop an expansive online network. Social media sites like LinkedIn and Twitter offer the ability to instantly post and promote open opportunities at your organization, allowing you to gain traction immediately. As a less expensive alternative to other recruitment platforms, social media gives you the opportunity to expand your organization’s message and instantly communicate with candidates about job opportunities. This can help you get ahead of staffing vacancies by building up a network beforehand.
Establish strategic partnerships.
In addition to developing a strong network of potential candidates, it’s also impactful to develop partnerships with schools and organizations that can provide access to qualified graduates. Many educational institutions are excellent talent pools for candidates who are actively seeking employment after graduation. Partnerships can also help you find immediate and long-term staffing solutions, assist with strategic hiring, and implement new onboarding initiatives for your workforce. The bottom line? Tapping into strategic partnerships will allow you to streamline your hiring process by quickly finding talented candidates with reputable training and educational credentials.
Through evaluating your internal hiring procedures and following these three tips, you can develop a staffing process that aligns with your organization’s needs. You’ll also help ensure that your organization’s productivity does not suffer, even in the face of unexpected vacancies.