Using a Staffing Firm to Meet Hiring Surges
A hiring surge typically arises when organizations need to recruit many workers in a short time. Whether driven by seasonal demand, project-specific needs, public health needs, or even electoral needs, hiring surges can place extreme pressure on HR and recruiting teams. Partnering with a staffing firm can provide organizations with a strategic advantage.
Here at ATHENA, we have decades of experience, and the resources needed to quickly scale up for all client needs. During the COVID pandemic we established this agility and reliability as we helped many health services clients with their staffing needs. As we approach the 2024 election the U.S. is facing a poll worker shortage as voter registration surges and the number of workers dwindle amid public health and safety concerns. Keep reading for how staffing firms like ATHENA can help organizations meet hiring surge.
Benefits of Using Staffing Firms
Partnering with staffing firms relieves the burden of recruiting and hiring qualified candidates from HR teams. Staffing firms have the experience and resources to understand the dynamics of hiring surges and can respond quickly and effectively.
Staffing firms can also provide flexibility throughout hiring surges as they have an extensive network of qualified candidates, so they have both the time and means to adapt to fluctuating demand. A staffing firm can also handle all the administrative burden of hiring employees, so organizations can focus on the more strategic priorities causing the hiring surge rather than being overwhelmed by hiring needs.
Handling Hiring Surges Effectively
Lastly, staffing firms are extremely adept at matching the right candidates to the right roles, which is particularly important during a hiring surge. ATHENA is well-versed in managing hiring surges, having supported health and human services staffing throughout the COVID pandemic. Our extensive experience with hiring across various U.S. jurisdictions meant we had existing contracts in place, streamlining the hiring process during the surge.
Moreover, our deep familiarity with state, city, and local governments enables us to swiftly establish new contracts when needed, ensuring a rapid response to any hiring demands. To learn more about how ATHENA helped staff through COVID related hiring surges, click here.
Hiring During the Poll Worker Shortage
Given ATHENA’s expertise with state, city, and local governments, we understand the unique challenges and requirements of different jurisdictions. This insight, coupled with our proven ability to manage hiring surges, highlights how staffing firms like ours are exceptionally well-equipped to handle the complexities of recruiting poll workers.
There is a current poll worker shortage which poses a significant challenge as we approach the 2024 election. Many jurisdictions are struggling to recruit and retain enough poll workers. This problem has been exacerbated by low pay, increased harassment and safety concerns, and the fact that many older workers — who have traditionally made up the poll worker demographic — have stepped back due to health concerns.
Additionally, many states require a partisan balance of poll workers. This can further narrow the pool of qualified candidates, particularly in areas where one political party is underrepresented. Turning to staffing firms during this hiring surge can help in this crisis to increase election security as well as voter confidence. As previously mentioned, staffing firms bring the expertise needed to recruit effectively and build a skilled, well-prepared workforce, ensuring a smooth and secure election process.
Learn More
When navigating the complexities of a hiring surge, a staffing firm can be an invaluable ally in meeting your organization’s hiring needs. From the flexibility they provide, to the reduced administrative load placed on your HR team, staffing firms have the experience and connections to address hiring surges. To learn more about how ATHENA has helped clients meet their hiring needs, no matter the size, visit our testimonial page.
