By Tara Drosset
The bridge from temporary to permanent employment isn’t just a passage for workers—it’s a unique opportunity for organizations aiming to grow and strengthen their workforce. Temp-to-perm recruiting is the strategic approach of hiring temporary employees with the prospect of making their positions permanent based on performance. It allows healthcare leaders and clinicians to essentially ‘try before they buy,’ ensuring a fit that’s mutually beneficial before making a commitment.
Temp-to-Perm Tactics to Grow Your Workforce
The right staff in place can mean the difference between top-notch patient care and operational chaos. Temp-to-perm recruiting mitigates this risk by offering a probationary period for both parties to assess compatibility. It’s a win-win: organizations can evaluate skills, work ethic, and cultural fit, while candidates can test the waters to see if the role and organization align with their career goals.
Start by clearly defining needs and expectations
Set clear objectives for what you aim to achieve with temp-to-perm placements. Are you looking to fill a skills gap, reduce turnover, or perhaps test the waters for a new position within your organization? Having clear goals will guide your strategy and help you measure success.
Partner with a specialized staffing agency
Not all staffing agencies are created equal. Find an agency that has the capabilities to meet the scope of staffing you need. The right partnership can dramatically increase your chances of finding candidates who are not just qualified on paper but can walk in prepared from day one. We recommend agencies with a healthcare talent ecosystem model similar to Medical Solutions. This kind of ‘total talent partner’ has the people, tech, and tools in place to really understand the nuances of your organizational needs, saving you time and resources in the long run.
Create a memorable onboarding experience
Temporary staff are more likely to consider permanent positions in environments where they feel valued and integrated. Create an onboarding process that makes them feel valued and part of the team from day one. This includes thorough training, access to necessary resources, and regular check-ins to address any concerns. Additionally, fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where everyone’s perspectives and backgrounds are respected further enhances their sense of belonging and value. By ensuring they receive the same levels of support as permanent staff, you’re enhancing their work experience and opening the door for a permanent transition.
Take advantage of your trial periods
The temp-to-perm process should be based on comprehensive evaluation and mutual fit. Use this temporary period as a trial phase to assess your employees’ performance, fit with company culture, and potential for long-term contribution. Consider structured evaluations, like regular feedback sessions, performance reviews, and career discussions. Staying open to feedback on job satisfaction and concerns.
Use a human-first approach
Each employee’s situation and fit within the organization may be unique, which is why it’s important to employ a human-centric approach to your retention strategy. For example, pair temporary employees with well-liked, experienced mentors, offer continual access to training and development programs, and prioritize promoting internal temp employees before job postings are made public. These simple changes can be deciding factors in an employee’s decision to stay long-term!
The Bottom Line
Temp-to-perm recruiting is about building a bridge between the present needs and future goals of your workforce. With the right steps in place, you can turn the challenge of finding the right talent into an opportunity for growth and stability. So, why not give it a shot? Staying flexible and open to new strategies could be the key to surviving and thriving. In the end, it’s all about creating a win-win scenario for you and your workforce.
Connect with Medical Solutions today to learn how partnering with our healthcare talent ecosystem can help you with temp-to-perm tactics to grow (and retain) your workforce.
Tara Drosset is a content specialist with Medical Solutions.