Healthcare organizations across the country are saving money by utilizing contingent staffing services.  A recent study by Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA) points to flexibility as the key cost benefit.  Being able to deploy temporary staffers immediately in response to a rise in admissions or outpatient visits, for example, avoids the multiple expenses associated with recruiting, screening and hiring permanent employees.

In fact, the SIA study of 217 companies that employ 1,000 or more employees found that one-third of contingent staffing buyers said their expenses would rise by 25 percent or more if they could not use temporary workers.   The respondents also cited the high cost of training new employees, particularly for positions with a heavy turnover rate. 

In addition to saving money, using temporary staffing services like All Medical Personnel allows healthcare organizations to deliver a more consistent level of service to patients and clients.  A good example is locum tenens physicians or nurses who can be brought on board for several weeks or months in response to a projected rise in patient demand.  Flexible staffing is also an important tool for hospitals that need to maintain their mandated nurse-to-patient ratios.

The SIA study, which covered healthcare, information technology, manufacturing and other industries, found that being able to cover variable or unpredictable workloads was important to more than 80 percent of contingent labor buyers.  In today’s volatile world, temporary staffing can smooth out a few of the peaks and valleys, while helping healthcare organizations improve their financial performance as well.