Many Staffing Agencies Are Turning to Temporary Staffing Platforms to Stay Ahead

Recognition of the benefits of temporary staffing platforms is growing rapidly within the staffing industry. These platforms offer transformative advantages, making them an essential tool for agencies adapting to the modern landscape.

We’ve developed a 3-part series to delve into staffing platforms, exploring their features, benefits, and the implications for traditional staffing. In this final segment, we discuss why certain industries benefit more from on-demand staffing platforms and evaluate whether building, acquiring, or purchasing one suits your agency’s needs best.

Explore the other parts of our staffing platform blog series:

• Part 1 – Why Healthcare Staffing Software is Crucial for Competing in the Modern Staffing Industry

• Part 2 – Key Considerations for Choosing the Right Staffing Software Solution

  
  

Staffing Platforms Are Ideal for the Commercial Sector

The staffing industry is experiencing an multichannel convergence, combining traditional methods with advanced technology. Staffing firms that integrate platform technology with in-person interactions stand out from the competition. However, no two staffing verticals are identical, and technology choices should reflect this diversity. Commercial staffing, in particular, is well-suited for staffing platforms due to key characteristics. According to Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA), these traits make commercial staffing a great fit:

• Verifiable licenses or credentials

• Structured assignment/shift lengths

• Volume of demand

• Repeatability of demand

• High price elasticity of demand

• Fast time-to-fill requirements

Using this matrix, it becomes clear why commercial staffing aligns well with platform technology. Jobs in this sector often require quick placement of workers with varying skill sets for flexible assignments or shifts. Staffing platforms can efficiently store worker credentials and match candidates with opportunities, enabling job seekers to find roles they qualify for within minutes.

Earlier this year, SIA reported that 60% of light industrial staffing firms struggled to meet increasing demand, with only 18% utilizing technology for support. Staffing platforms streamline high-volume scheduling and enhance transparency. For instance, enabling drop-shift capabilities—though initially controversial—allows agencies to address last-minute changes more effectively, repost jobs promptly, and improve fill and redeployment rates. This operational efficiency ensures staffing firms can stay competitive.

The Surge of Staffing Platforms in Healthcare

The pandemic accelerated the adoption of staffing platforms in healthcare, revolutionizing the way agencies operate. Healthcare staffing firms faced a sudden surge in demand and had to adapt to providing services remotely at unprecedented speeds. Early adopters like AYA Healthcare and Clipboard Health leveraged staffing platforms to stay ahead, setting a new standard in the industry.

Today, staffing platforms have reshaped candidate expectations in healthcare. Features like self-selecting shifts, on-demand communication, and increased visibility into time and pay have become essential. Agencies that offer these capabilities are better positioned to attract and retain top talent.

Build vs. Buy: Choosing the Right Approach for Your Staffing Platform

Once you recognize the value of a staffing platform, the next decision is whether to build, buy, or acquire one. This choice often depends on the size and resources of your agency.

Building a Staffing Platform: Building a platform in-house is expensive and time-intensive. Initial development can cost upwards of a million dollars, with ongoing expenses for maintenance, integrations, and staffing a dedicated team. Additionally, the largest cost today isn’t just financial—it’s the time to market. Developing a minimum viable product can take at least a year, and in a competitive landscape, losing this time can be detrimental.

Buying a Staffing Platform: Purchasing a staffing platform offers a faster, more cost-effective alternative. Staffing platforms as a service (SPaaS) function as cloud-based solutions that third-party providers research, develop, and maintain. These platforms are often white-labeled and customizable, enabling agencies to adapt them to their branding and operational needs. SPaaS offers key advantages, including:

• Reduced time to benefit

• Affordability

• Scalability and seamless integration

• Regular updates

• Pre-tested usability

By outsourcing platform development and management, agencies can focus on core activities like building client relationships and enhancing candidate experiences. Conduct thorough research to ensure you choose a solution tailored to your specific needs.

Why Temporary Staffing Platforms Are the Future

The shift toward temporary staffing platforms reflects the changing dynamics of the staffing industry. Agencies adopting this technology can enhance operational efficiency, improve candidate and client satisfaction, and position themselves as industry leaders. Whether you choose to build or buy, investing in a staffing platform is a strategic move to ensure your agency’s success in an increasingly digital world.

Want to learn more about how we empower agencies with our SPaaS offerings? Book a consultation with our team today.