Online staffing is not one-size-fits-all

Whether a staffing service has been in business for five, ten, or over twenty years it is clear that they will establish a certain set of procedures that work for their staff, clients, and candidates. Having ways for your company to stand out from your competition is essential and everyone strives to provide the very best customer service and job placement. 

Then online staffing comes along and threatens to shake up the very core of the industry. Now, recruiters don't need to be the middle step between clients and candidates and this can sound a little scary for a company who has spent years developing and training their recruiting staff to provide exemplary service. But online staffing doesn't have to be that way. If you're considering implementing this change in your company it is important to realize that you don't have to completely overhaul the way your business currently runs, you can simply enhance it. 

Online staffing is not one-size-fits-all.  

Over the last decade online retail and digital communications have dominated the marketplace. When companies like Walmart began to offer online services to their shoppers they didn't change their current model. Many people who are part of their target demographic still prefer shopping in the store but the number of shoppers utilizing the online services is growing. In 2014 the online shopping business grew by 30%.  Even more startling is the fact that 95% of potential Walmart shoppers will research their purchase online before going into the store to buy it. It is important to note here that Walmart didn't change their business model but they provided additional options as their target demographics began to change their shopping habits. 

Both your clients and your candidates are changing with the digital age. In 2014, 87% of American adults use the internet to get their news, connect with friends and family, and apply for jobs. This is a huge jump over 2005 where only 66% were online. Staffing companies need to follow their candidates and offer online tools and ways to digitally connect to reach the audience they are targeting. 

The digital age is changing the way clients interact with their vendors as well. There are multiple direct web services that connect freelancers to the people who want to hire them. This is beginning to leave some staffing services out in the cold. By providing online options it allows staffing companies to cater to their customers who want high-touch and hard to find talent as well as a high volume and on-demand workforce.

If your company is considering the addition of online staffing services over the next few years the best way to get started is to implement a workforce management system. This will allow you to enhance your services later in a seamless, integrated manner. You will be able to transition to forms of online staffing that fit your business model and your clients' interest.

For more information, check out our post about some of the reasons better workforce management may be needed to stay competitive in the current market. 

Are you ready to explore an online staffing business model which works for your business? 
Contact NexCrew today!  

Image by Bruce Guenter via Flickr