Key Insights from Developing a Per Diem Staffing Platform

In an increasingly competitive staffing market, agencies must innovate to stay relevant and effective. Traditional methods are no longer sufficient; agencies need to offer platforms that meet the evolving demands of talent and clients. Here are key takeaways from the development of a successful per diem staffing platform:

Key Insights from Building a Mobile Staffing Platform

1. Integration Challenges:

   • One of the biggest hurdles in creating an in-house mobile staffing platform is ensuring seamless integration with existing Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). The goal is to enable smooth data transfer and efficient operation for nurses, recruiters, and healthcare staffing facilities.

   • HealthTrust’s experience underscores the importance of ease of use for all stakeholders. They tackled this challenge by developing micro-learning videos and quick reference guides to help users maximize the platform’s functionality.

2. Time and Iteration:

   • Building a platform in-house is a time-intensive process. HealthTrust began their project in 2018, but their initial version did not meet expectations. After reevaluating their approach, they invested significant time in discussions, user feedback, development, and testing to create a successful second iteration.

   • The revised platform was launched in 2022 and rapidly demonstrated its value, with 50% of per diem shifts filled through the app by December of the same year. The goal for 2023 was to increase this to 70-80%.

3. Listening to User Needs:

   • A critical lesson from HealthTrust’s experience is the necessity of aligning the platform with user needs. Understanding what users want and delivering accordingly is crucial. John Ruffini emphasized, “Find out what your audience wants and deliver that solution instead of trying to say ‘what’s out there and what can we do differently’ without getting in touch with your user base.”

4. The Role of Automation:

   • Automation in staffing is set to continue evolving. While technology advances, the human element of recruiting remains essential. Future trends suggest that candidates will have more control over their interaction with recruiters, based on their needs and the capabilities of technology.

   • “Recruitment is a relationship business,” commented John Ruffini. Automation will enhance but not replace the personal touch in recruitment.

5. Necessity of Mobile Platforms:

   • Offering a mobile app is no longer optional but a necessity for staffing agencies. Candidates increasingly expect to manage their job search through mobile platforms, seeking real-time access to job opportunities.

   • John Ruffini stated, “If you are a staffing firm, especially a contract staffing firm, and you do not have this technology, you’re at a severe disadvantage.” Agencies must adapt to stay competitive and appealing to top talent.

Conclusion

Building a successful per diem staffing platform involves overcoming integration challenges, investing time in development, and ensuring the platform meets user needs. As automation continues to evolve, offering a mobile platform is crucial for staying relevant in the staffing industry. Agencies must embrace these technological advancements to improve efficiency, attract top talent, and remain competitive.

For staffing agencies looking to stay ahead, adopting and effectively implementing a mobile staffing platform is no longer a luxury but a strategic necessity.