Guest Commentator: Jeff Burkhardt, Director of Business Development, firstPRO @firstPROinc

How have staffing companies been a resource to employers during the pandemic?

If history is the teacher it has deemed itself to be, we have learned that economies, during stressed and recessed times, force us to look for creative answers to solve pressing business-related dilemmas. Despite a current unemployment rate hovering around 7% and nearly 30 million Americans receiving some form of unemployment-related assistance, hiring continues for companies looking to keep up with growing production and delivery demands, especially during the holiday season.

However, the challenge employers face, when seeking new talent, is a complex one. It often comes down to the best, and most cost-effective way, to hire new staff. Utilizing ways to best connect with candidates, who are seeking new employment opportunities, poses a challenge to employers, too. And as life and business altering events such as 9/11, the 2008 housing crisis, and now the COVID-19 pandemic have shown, when it comes to the subject of employment, the only thing that tends to be certain is uncertainty.

Companies, hesitant to make long-term hiring investments when times are compromised, look to staffing firms to bridge the gap and keep business running, until the economy and business market stabilizes. Contract staffing, charged on an hourly basis, may be more prudent financial investments for companies apprehensive to spend significant recruiting and training dollars associated with full-time staffing. Contract personnel are exceptional resources to consider for companies who would like to “try before they buy” individuals to see not only if they can afford hiring these resources as full-time personnel, but if the contracted resources fit the company culture and, further, get the job done. According to global HR solutions and technology company CareerBuilder, 66% of hiring managers feel using staffing firms is an effective way to gain access to the right candidates for their companies.

If you are a company contemplating effective ways to hire new talent, you owe it to your yourself to contact an experienced staffing and recruiting firm to help keep your business running.

The Chamber is working to leverage the region’s assets to make Greater Philadelphia a premier talent hub. We are doing this through our initiatives that focus on creating clear pathways that align individuals and employers.