Year end is an opportunity for managers in every industry to take a step back and reflect on any staffing challenges and successes they’ve experienced. The dynamics of workforce management are fluid, and the results are not always predictable.
Reflection is important, because it allows us to learn from setbacks and leverage the insights we’ve gained. It is normal to go through periods of staffing stress when you are in a management position. If this is true for you, connect with an expert at Staffing Network to learn about how reputable firms can assist you in connecting with both short and long-term staff.
The Power of Reflection and Learning from Setbacks
Reflection is a key for improvement. For managers, taking the time to think through the challenges faced throughout the year can provide valuable insights. For example, you can begin with compiling a list of questions, such as the following, and give yourself time to honestly answer each one.
- What staffing goals were met?
- Were there staffing concerns that needed attention but were ignored?
- What could have been done differently?
- Have we planned for the staffing highs and lows for the upcoming year?
Answering these questions lays a foundation for growth and development, because every setback is an opportunity to learn.
Everyone has setbacks to review. Some managers struggle with unexpected turnover while others have trouble finding the right talent. Rather than viewing these setbacks as obstacles, see them as stepping stones toward creating a more resilient and efficient workforce in the coming months and years.
Armed with the knowledge gained from a period of reflection and learning, you can begin to pinpoint what management strategies you could employ. Examples include refining your recruitment processes, investing in professional development programs for existing staff to improve retention rates, or exploring innovative solutions to address staffing concerns.
Connecting with Short and Long-Term Staff
Struggling with staffing is something every manager who is charged with hiring experiences at one point or another. There are supports to help you through the process. Staffing firms can help managers meet their immediate needs with short-term staff and will listen closely to a manager’s idea of what skills could boost their team long term. Then, with an ongoing relationship in place, staffing experts will match the right job seeker with the manager who needs their talents to develop a mutually beneficial relationship.
Success in workforce management is a collaborative effort. As managers reflect on the challenges and successes of the past year, they should recognize how a collaboration with a staffing firm will support their staffing goals. By working together, managers and staffing firms can create an adaptable workforce that is ready to face whatever the upcoming year may bring. Together, they can build a staff that promotes the stability and growth of the organization.
What staffing changes do you want to make on your team? Staffing Network is a full-service staffing and recruiting firm that specializes in light/skilled industrial, engineering, and operations professionals. Connect with Staffing Network today.