With workforce shortages, burnout, and shifting expectations around work-life balance, healthcare facilities are searching for smarter, more adaptable staffing solutions. In the latest episode of Staffing Unplugged, Rob Crowe, Executive Vice President of Per Diem and Local Workforce Strategies at Medical Solutions and founder of Matchwell, shares how technology and workforce flexibility are reshaping healthcare staffing and why these changes are essential for building a more resilient and productive workforce.
Workforce Flexibility Drives Retention and Engagement
Workforce flexibility has become a non-negotiable aspect of retaining healthcare workers. As Crowe explains, “Flexibility is becoming table stakes to attract and retain talent.” Clinicians increasingly seek non-traditional work arrangements, such as shorter shifts, weekend-only roles, and internal float pools. These options not only align with clinicians’ evolving needs but also create a more engaged, resilient workforce, helping healthcare organizations reduce turnover and improve patient care.
Still, balancing flexible schedules with operational needs can present challenges for organizations. “Change is hard. It can be fearful,” Crowe acknowledges, “People want more flexibility in their lives, but they don’t want a paycheck that’s flexible.” Workforce flexibility, he emphasizes, is about giving employees control while still maintaining operational stability—a win-win for both staff and organizations.
Float Pools: A Dynamic Staffing Solution
One standout strategy Crowe discussed is the use of float pools. These programs allow employees to work full-time schedules while rotating across units as needed. This adaptability helps organizations manage census fluctuations and fill last-minute staffing gaps.
But, as Crowe points out, managing float pools effectively requires the right technology. “We’ve got massive healthcare systems with very small resource pools because they don’t yet have the infrastructure to expand them,” he explains. Customizable platforms like Matchwell make it easier to manage float pools, allowing staff to be deployed seamlessly at scale.
The Gig Economy Plays a Large Role in Healthcare Staffing
According to Staffing Industry Analysts, the gig economy is reshaping workforce trends, with 36% of U.S. workers—around 60 million people—participating. Crowe mentions that 20% of the entire workforce now operate exclusively within this space, choosing non-traditional roles over full-time jobs.
This preference for flexwork underscores the need for healthcare facilities to adapt. “When we see this rapidly growing segment of the workforce not looking for that traditional full-time job, we have to offer flexibility and create roles that clinicians want,” Crowe states. Programs like float pools and shift-based work give clinicians the workforce flexibility they’re after, while helping organizations tap into a wider talent pool.
Technology that Prioritizes the Needs of the Health System Makes It Possible
Adapting to these new workforce trends wouldn’t be possible without the right technology. Crowe explains how platforms like Matchwell, which prioritize the specific needs of the healthcare facility and tailor their solution, empower healthcare systems to manage flexible staffing solutions more effectively, from organizing internal float pools to building seamless hiring marketplaces. These tools streamline the entire process, making it easier for organizations to stay agile and meet staffing demands.
Crowe also emphasizes the game-changing potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare staffing. AI can take on time-consuming tasks like resume reviews, scheduling, and even drafting communications, freeing up recruiters and schedulers to focus on what really matters—connecting with people. With these advancements, technology isn’t just simplifying processes; it’s transforming the way healthcare facilities meet the needs of today’s workforce.
A Groundbreaking Development: Indiana’s Statewide Resource Pool, Powered by Matchwell
Crowe also shared an exciting development: the nation’s first statewide resource pool, launched in Indiana. This innovative model connects healthcare systems across the state, creating a shared database of clinicians that eliminates the need for traditional middlemen.
The benefits of this approach extend beyond convenience. Crowe emphasizes how collaboration between healthcare systems fosters creative problem-solving for shared challenges. “By working together, healthcare systems can solve shared challenges more effectively. It’s a game-changer,” he says. With this model, Indiana is leading the way in flexible staffing solutions, paving the path for other states to follow.
Looking Ahead
As the healthcare industry grapples with continuing workforce shortages, Crowe’s vision for the future is clear: flexibility, supported by innovative technology, is the way forward. “Embracing flexibility doesn’t have to be scary,” he says. “With the right tools and partners, it opens the door to more people joining your workforce and delivering exceptional care.”
To learn more, catch the full episode of Staffing Unplugged here or fill out a Medical Solutions contact form to speak personally with one of our experts.