The Challenge
A global medical device company needed to address its high growth and extreme seasonal hiring needs. The company was doing all of its own hiring for hundreds of product builder positions while at the same time trying to keep an internal temporary pool staffed with up to 100 people that could work on a moment's notice. Turnover was 35 percent - 1 in 3 employees were leaving within the first six months.
During peak business times there were not enough employees to meet production demands. During slow times, there were too many people on staff and nowhere to place them. Revenue suffered and costs were out of control.
The Action Plan
The objectives were to:
- Effectively manage headcount requirements to meet the production demand.
- Improve recruitment efforts in order to ensure a steady supply of on-demand qualified talent.
- Increase talent attrition to improve product quality and delivery times.
- Develop measurement tools to better manage workforce scheduling.
- Customize Pro Staff services and processes to meet the unique culture of the company.
Pro Staff's professional on-site staff implemented proven processes to gather internal hiring trends and needs, recruit qualified candidates, screen and select appropriate talent based on competency requirements for various manufacturing areas, and provide daily talent management. Appropriate technology solutions were also deployed to supply comprehensive reporting and analysis.
The Results
By outsourcing the daily management of its flexible staff to Pro Staff, the company was able to focus on its core business and grow revenue and profits.
- Production staff levels were successfully managed, growing up to 1200 talent working at peak times and reducing to 550 when production was slow. The company reached record profits through better workforce management.
- Within the first year of Pro Staff serving as this customer's exclusive supplier, turnover dropped from 35 percent to 10 percent. It continues to remain at less than 15 percent.
- Annual cost savings goals are mutually set and have been achieved every year.
- The combination of personalized customer service, improved processes and appropriate technology have allowed both companies to enjoy a successful 15-year relationship.