Solving Staffing Obstacles During Challenging Times

Success in business largely depends on the talent you hire to support your goals. The right people can make all the difference to your bottom line through drive, skillset, dedication, innovation, and productivity. Unfortunately, there is a difference between knowing what employers need and being able to source the perfect candidates.  

Success in business largely depends on the talent you hire to support your goals. The right people can make all the difference to your bottom line through drive, skillset, dedication, innovation, and productivity. Unfortunately, there is a difference between knowing what employers need and being able to source the perfect candidates.  

Overcoming staffing hurdles can be difficult at any point, but when times become challenging, they can seem impossible. Current changes in the economy and the global pandemic has flipped the world of hiring upside down, leaving many companies desperate for good workers.  

Unemployment rates in Knoxville 

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Knoxville’s unemployment rate was around 3.1 percent, lower than the national average. As more companies shifted their business models to operate as safely as possible, Tennessee saw its unemployment rate increase by more than 10 percent, taking the state rapidly to a rate of 14.7 percent of workers unemployed.  

While an increased unemployment rate seems like employers would have a larger pool of candidates applying, many companies in the area are finding that this isn’t the situation at all. Despite more people out of work, fewer people seem interested in getting back on the job. Whether their decision is based on the benefits they’re receiving or safety concerns, the effect remains the same – Employers are facing significant staffing obstacles during these challenging times.

Solving staffing obstacles 

The good news is there are several options to navigate through these challenging circumstances. Many local employers have increased their starting wages, enticing workers back with larger paychecks. Other companies have increased their flexibility by outsourcing recruiting and staffing to reputable staffing agencies. Staffing agencies specialize in temporary surges in employment needs as well as finding new, permanent employees. Business may look different now, but more and more staffing agencies are providing customized solutions and meet staffing challenges.  

Gain access to a talent bench 

Partnering with a staffing agency takes the burden of looking for talent off of your company and allows recruiters to do what they do best: locate the best candidates with tough-to-find skillsets and the experience you’re looking for at your company. Especially good agencies will they take the time necessary to learn exactly what you want so they can ensure they’re sourcing the right person for the role.  

In times like these where finding new candidates may be more challenging, staffing agencies look to their deep bench of talented professionals. Good agencies will cultivate relationships with skilled individuals in both good and bad times to ensure top-notch employees are available as quickly as possible when a client has an immediate need to fill important positions.  

Customized solutions every step of the way 

Another challenge may employers are facing now is variable product demand and evolving workloads given what’s happening in the world. This means the exact talent and number of employees to get the job done can frequently fluctuate, leaving companies unsure how to balance the workload.  

By offering customized solutions, staffing agencies can provide the exact workforce you need, when you need it. Whether you want someone permanently through direct-hire or you’re more interested in a temporary placement through contract work, the best staffing agencies look to partner with you every step of the way. Most offer contract-to-hire staffing, meaning you get the help you need now with the flexibility to hire extraordinary employees at a later date.

Conclusion 

The modern staffing industry has been around since the 1940’s. In addition to experience with staffing trends, staffing agencies specialize in being the go-to source for employers who are facing high-volume hiring demand or challenges finding workers. As I like to say here at Gem Care, “If it were easy, our clients’ wouldn’t hire us.” Consider looking to the expertise of a staffing agency to help you overcome current challenges in staffing and recruiting.