The Contractor Cure: Solving Healthcare's Workforce Woes

Healthcare and social assistance organisations are facing a perfect storm of workforce challenges. Skill shortages, soaring demand, and the lingering impact of COVID-19 are stretching teams to their limits. Many HR leaders are struggling just to keep their heads above water, let alone drive strategic initiatives.

At the same time, budget constraints and headcount freezes are making it difficult to bring on much-needed full-time staff. This is where engaging HR contractors can be a lifeline, providing critical support to help organisations stay afloat during turbulent times.

The Benefits of HR Contractors

The Benefits of HR Contractors HR contractors offer a flexible, cost-effective way to boost capability and capacity. In the health and allied sectors, they can provide critical support such as:

·      Managing demand surges during peak periods

·      Providing expertise in infection control and patient safety

·      Implementing and training staff on new EHR systems

·      Developing wellness programs to support employee resilience

·      Workforce planning and talent pipelining for hard-to-fill roles

·      Navigating complex IR issues and enterprise bargaining

·      Covering parental leave or extended absences

·      Driving DEI initiatives to foster a positive culture

·      Leading digital transformation change management projects

·      Offering fresh perspectives to drive innovation

By engaging contractors on a flexible basis, healthcare and social assistance organisations can access high-calibre support to address their most pressing people challenges, while carefully managing costs and headcount.

Partnering with purpose-driven professionals

Many HR contractors are attracted to working with healthcare and social assistance organisations because they offer the opportunity to make a meaningful difference. Purpose-driven roles that improve lives and communities are a major drawcard.

At the same time, contractors value the flexibility and variety that interim work provides. They can take on challenging assignments that expand their skills and experience, while maintaining work-life balance. Competitive pay rates are another key benefit.

By offering appealing short-term opportunities, health and allied organisations can tap into a rich pool of HR talent that may otherwise be inaccessible.

The way forward

Recent data shows that health and social assistance is the 3rd biggest employer of HR professionals in Australia. However, with HR ranking 11th on the government's Skills Priority List, many organisations are struggling to find the specialised expertise they need.

Similarly, demand for Health and Safety professionals is a record-levels and is often hard to recruit and retain, especially when healthcare is often unable to match the budgets, resources and capabilities offered by other employers.

With the healthcare and social assistance workforce projected to grow 25% by 2033, and $140 billion in government investment planned by 2025-26, demand for HR expertise will only intensify.

Savvy leaders will develop agile talent strategies that blend permanent and interim resources to flexibly meet the sector's evolving people needs. Selective use of expert HR contractors will be key to keeping organisations' heads above water in the years ahead.

How can we help?

To discuss your workforce challenges and opportunities, contact The Next Step today.

Our team can connect you with highly qualified contractors who combine a passion for purpose with deep sector knowledge - an ideal fit for your organisation.