5 Major Hacks For Shift-Based Agencies

Shift-based recruitment agencies play the vital role of connecting businesses with qualified workers for temporary positions with flexible hours.?

These agencies specialise in filling positions with flexible schedules, often catering to industries like hospitality, healthcare, and customer service. However, managing a pool of temporary or part-time employees across various shifts can be a difficult task

Efficiency and timeliness are key to the success of shift-based recruitment agencies.

Here are five major hacks to help shift-based recruitment agencies thrive:

• Streamline candidate sourcing

One of the biggest challenges for shift-based recruitment agencies is sourcing qualified candidates quickly.?

To avoid this issue, agencies can leverage online platforms and job boards to expand their candidate pool. By allowing candidates to find them first, they can reduce sourcing delays. Also, implementing an efficient applicant tracking system (ATS) can improve the candidate screening and hiring process, saving valuable time and resources.

• Establish Clear Communication?

Clear and consistent communication is essential for a smooth-running shift-based operation. From job requirements to updates and regular check-ins, it is important to ensure everyone involved is on the same page.?

You can use online portals to provide instant updates on shift changes, cancellations, or emergencies. As well as set up regular check-in sessions or feedback forms to address concerns, ensure employee satisfaction, and identify areas for improvement.

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• Optimise shift scheduling?

Managing shift schedules efficiently is the greatest task for shift-based agencies.?

The schedules created must meet client demands and match with candidate availability.?

By using software solutions specifically designed for shift management instead of more traditional methods, agencies can automate scheduling processes, minimise conflicts, and optimise shift allocation.?

Here's how to modernise the process:

• Shift Scheduling: Invest in reliable scheduling software that automates tasks, integrates with payroll systems, and allows for easier communication with employees.

• Automated Scheduling: Software that considers employee preferences, skills, and availability to create fair and efficient shift assignments.

• Self-Scheduling: Let employees choose shifts that work for them.?

• Prioritise employee retention?

Happy employees are productive employees.?

Shift-based agencies must prioritise employee satisfaction and well-being to maintain a motivated workforce.

This involves offering fair shift rotations and breaks to prevent burnout and fatigue, addressing employee concerns and feedback promptly demonstrating a commitment to their well-being and fostering a positive work culture.?

• Make data-driven decisions?

With so many variables, decisions must be made carefully and with data to back it up. Track metrics like absenteeism, productivity rates, and customer satisfaction for different shifts and staffing combinations.

Using the metrics gathered over time, shift-based recruiters can have clarity into candidate satisfaction, time-to-fill, retention rates, seasonal trends and more.?

These metrics should influence how future placements are done and how resources are allocated to ensure that the agency remains relevant to the changing industry demands.?

Shift-based recruitment agencies face unique challenges that require innovative solutions to solve. However, these five major hacks can improve efficiency, productivity, and employee satisfaction for shift-based recruitment agencies.

By streamlining candidate sourcing, establishing clear communication, optimising shift scheduling, prioritising candidate retention, and using data analytics for decision-making, agencies can achieve increased efficiency and success.

For more on how to navigate shift recruitment, watch our episode of Recruitment Smarts with our CEO, David Hathiramani and Louise Triance ?? here - Mastering the Chaos of Shift-Based Recruitment