How to Develop a Flexible IT Staffing Strategy
Posted February 27th, 2020
Developing a functional and robust IT staffing strategy requires agility. Companies can’t always afford to keep all of the talent they need for various on-staff permanently. Specialized skills are, at times, only required in specific instances. Additionally, peak development periods can fluctuate, making it necessary to have an approach that allows you to right-size your team when the need arises.
By factoring a contingent workforce into your plan, you can create a flexible IT staffing strategy designed to meet your needs, even when they shift. If you want to know how to create an ideal mix of permanent and contingent employees for your company, here’s a look at how you need to shape your strategy.
Examine All of Your Staffing Options
In order to create an effective strategy, you need to explore the benefits and drawbacks of every staffing option available. This includes everything from permanent team members to contractors to interns.
Your initial goal shouldn’t be to formally outline your allocations. Instead, your objective should be to determine which options work best in typical scenarios, ranging from core operations to projects. It’s also wise to factor in any likely fluctuations, such as seasonal demand shifts or your anticipated project loads.
Determine Your Core Needs
Every company has certain skillsets they need available at all times. Often, the positions associated with those skills are foundational within your operation; without them, your company would struggle on a near-daily basis.
Precisely what those skillsets are will vary from one company to the next. However, they almost always represent the roles that could justifiably be part of your permanent team.
By determining your core needs, you can create the most stable part of your staffing strategy. It ensures that your bases remain covered and that standard operations can continue seamlessly. But anything beyond those roles might not require a permanent staff member. And that’s where you can build in flexibility.
Contingent Workforce Needs
Once you know which positions need to be permanent, you can reexamine your future plans to develop a strategy for contingent workforce management. Review your upcoming project to determine if the skills and time to complete the work are available in your permanent team, either wholly or in part.
After that, examine the alternative staffing options that could fill in any gaps, such as augmenting your team for a seasonal shift in demand or specific projects. Then, consider which method is ideal for each scenario.
Hiring Contingent Workers
When you know how you need to augment your workforce, you then need to create a hiring strategy for those positions. Typically, you need to look beyond the technical capabilities of a contingent worker. While technical prowess is a must, you can’t neglect other factors that result in a good hiring decision, such as cultural fit.
Ideally, your contingent workers will blend seamlessly into your permanent staff. When that happens, everyone can work together like a well-oiled machine, driving productivity and results through effective communication and collaboration.
Build a Better Team by Working with Bayside Solutions
If you would like to know more about flexible hiring solutions that can become a critical part of your staffing strategy, the team at Bayside Solutions wants to hear from you. Contact us to speak with one of our contingent workforce management specialists today and see how our services and expertise can benefit you.
