Technology or MSP? The Illusion of Choice

When you find the right workforce solutions partner, the discussion extends beyond just one or two options. A more holistic approach is needed to drive the best results possible, and that approach involves a customizable array of services. Every client’s needs, goals, and budget are all unique and require a tailored solution to fully meet them where they are. Building that solution starts with debunking the illusion of choice between a technology-based solution or an MSP.?

Destroying the dynamic?

Many healthcare organizations were at the mercy of MSPs during the height of the pandemic, so much so that they pivoted to vendor management technology as soon as they had the opportunity. This trend established an either-or dynamic that still exists today. An MSP doesn’t offer enough control, and technology alone doesn’t offer enough guidance or accountability for results.??

Instead of zeroing in on either technology or an MSP, let’s break through the illusion of choice. Most organizations need both, and the most effective solutions start when the two come together. Technology should come with a consultative partner that can guarantee delivery of high-quality talent and respond to emerging needs.?

Finding your home?

That partnership starts with a client-first approach. A tailored solution doesn’t necessarily mean more choices—in fact, it can mean the opposite. Flexibility is essential to delivering a successful, sustainable solution, but letting the client lead the entire process can be overwhelming. Instead, the first and most essential step is to listen. Think of a staffing partner like a real estate agent. They're helping you with an important—and expensive—decision. And they’re narrowing down a massive pool of options to just a few that suit your exact needs.?

You also won’t be living in the same house your whole life. When you need more space or want to switch neighborhoods, you call up the real estate agent you know and trust to help you with your search. A workforce partner should have the expertise to analyze your unique needs and help you decide what’s best. At the end of the day, the client makes the decision, but their workforce company helps guide them towards the option that best suits their situation.?

Continuing the relationship?

Oftentimes, clients get left behind when the “on” switch is flipped on their technology-based solution. Don’t get me wrong: technology is foundational and will continue to drive the future of workforce planning. But personal attention is vital to staying on track. A workforce solutions partner should be focused on long-term, sustainable outcomes instead of their own short-term success.??

Above all else, clients want their order filled with high-quality talent when they need it. A strong relationship helps make that happen. It helps the client communicate clearly when they know what they want and seek the right expertise when they don’t. And perhaps most importantly, it keeps them agile and able to adapt to emerging challenges and trends.?

With that relationship in place, the client receives benefits like:?

• Responsive communication with an adaptive approach to emerging trends and issues.?
• Data-informed insights driving financial goals, hiring markets, and partnership analysis.?

• Decisions backed by concrete, client-specific data and analysis, as opposed to overarching market trends.?

• A collaborative approach to standing up strong in-house processes, streamlining communications across multiple departments and facilities.?

• Using technology to uncover rogue spend and collaboratively build better hiring??

The flexible future?

The above examples are just scratching the surface of what’s possible with a flexible, relationship-based approach to workforce solutions. It’s impossible to know exactly what will benefit a client most without first understanding their specific situation, opportunities, and goals. What I do know, however, is that the future is flexible.??

My advice to every decision maker looking for a better way forward: Don’t fall for the illusion of choice. Find a partner who listens, adapts, and finds creative ways to give you exactly what you want. Organizations who reject the technology-or-MSP decision in favor of a tailored approach to their workforce will see themselves rocket past competitors who just picked one or the other.?