Why HR Professionals Hesitate with Staffing Platforms like GigWorx

The Journey of Caroline Carr: From Traditional Staffing to GigWorx

Meet Caroline Carr,  an HR professional with over 17 years of experience across various industries, including retail, nonprofit, education, hospitality, and manufacturing. The GigWorx marketing department sat down with Caroline to discuss the industry, and explore why HR professionals are often reluctant to use flexible staffing platforms like GigWorx.

Throughout her career, Caroline encountered the common challenges HR professionals face, particularly when it comes to staffing. She recalls the frustrations of dealing with traditional staffing agencies, highlighting issues like the high cost, long wait times, and the frequent interruptions they caused in her daily workflow.

Caroline's relationship with GigWorx began while she was working as an HR manager at West Paw, an eco-friendly pet products company known for its strong culture and commitment to quality. The initial introduction to GigWorx came through a meeting with Matt, founder of GigWorx, who explained the benefits of an on-demand workforce. Intrigued by the promise of speed, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness, Caroline decided to give GigWorx a try, marking the beginning of a transformative partnership.

The Evolution of Staffing Needs: Pre-Pandemic to Post-Pandemic

In the early days of the partnership, GigWorx helped West Paw manage temporary staffing needs and backfilling positions during busy periods. The platform's ability to provide workers on short notice, sometimes within 24 hours, was a game-changer for Caroline. As the pandemic hit, the demand for West Paw's pet products surged, and the company needed to ramp up its workforce quickly. GigWorx played a crucial role in meeting this demand by supplying a flexible and reliable workforce.

Post-pandemic, the workforce landscape has shifted significantly. Caroline observed that many workers now prioritize flexibility and meaningful work over traditional employment structures. This cultural shift has made platforms like GigWorx even more relevant, as they allow workers to choose when, where, and how much they want to work. This flexibility aligns with the post-pandemic values of work-life balance and personal fulfillment.

Benefits of GigWorx Over Traditional Staffing Agencies

One of the standout benefits of GigWorx is the cost-effectiveness compared to traditional staffing agencies. Caroline noted that traditional agencies often come with high fees and lengthy wait times, which can be particularly burdensome for small HR teams. In contrast, GigWorx charges only when a worker is used, and the platform's direct hire fees are significantly lower.

Another advantage is the quality of candidates provided by GigWorx. Caroline found that workers from GigWorx were high-quality, motivated, and quick to integrate into the company culture. This was a stark contrast to her experiences with traditional temp agencies, where the quality of candidates was often inconsistent. The ability to "try before you buy" also allowed West Paw to convert many GigWorx workers into permanent hires, ensuring a good fit for both parties.

Addressing Common Misconceptions About Staffing Platforms

A common misconception about staffing platforms like GigWorx is that they provide lower-quality candidates who are only interested in temporary work. Caroline's experience debunks this myth. She found that GigWorx workers were professional, reliable, and often interested in long-term opportunities. The platform's rigorous screening process ensures that only qualified candidates are available for work.

Another misconception is that using a staffing platform adds complexity to the HR process. In reality, GigWorx simplifies staffing by offering an easy-to-use app where HR managers can post shifts and select workers quickly. This streamlined process reduces the administrative burden on HR teams and allows them to focus on more strategic initiatives.

The Hidden Costs of Hiring and Training Internally

Hiring and training new employees internally can be a costly and time-consuming process. Caroline highlighted that cost per hire, including training and onboarding, was approximately $10,000. This significant investment underscores the importance of reducing turnover and ensuring that new hires are a good fit from the outset.

GigWorx mitigates these hidden costs by allowing companies to bring in workers on a temporary basis before committing to a permanent hire. This approach not only saves money but also reduces the risk associated with hiring. Companies can evaluate workers in real-time, ensuring they possess the necessary skills and fit well with the company culture before making a long-term commitment.

Encouraging HR Professionals to Embrace Staffing Platforms

Despite the clear benefits, some HR professionals remain hesitant to embrace staffing platforms like GigWorx. Caroline attributes this reluctance to a lack of understanding and familiarity with the platform's capabilities. She encourages HR leaders to view staffing platforms as a complement to their existing processes rather than competition.

Caroline's advice to HR professionals on the fence is to give GigWorx a try with a single shift or for a short period. The platform's low-risk, high-reward model allows HR teams to experience the benefits firsthand without a significant upfront investment. By embracing staffing platforms, HR professionals can alleviate some of the pressures of hiring, allowing them to focus on strategic initiatives and ultimately enhance their organization's overall efficiency and effectiveness.

In conclusion, staffing platforms like GigWorx offer a modern, flexible solution to the traditional challenges of hiring and staffing. By understanding and overcoming the common misconceptions, HR professionals can leverage these platforms to meet their evolving needs and support a more dynamic, adaptable workforce.