With one of the busiest times of the year, just around the corner, Bibby Financial Services is warning recruitment agencies to plan ahead so that as that the temperature outside rises, tempers inside donít.
Edward Rimmer at Bibby Financial Services, says: ìFor many people, the summer season is a time to relax and enjoy the long hot days, lazy evenings and a chance to take a well-earned holiday. However, in the recruitment industry the summer is the most important time of year, with demand for temporary staff high and many agencies struggling to keep up with market need.î
Bibby Financial Services has developed the following top tips to help agencies make the most of the busy summer:
1. Be realistic - Donít ëguestimateí how much extra work youíre likely to get from clients this summer as it will place unnecessary amounts of pressure on your team. Instead, take a step back and review what happened in past years. Call clients before they contact you and demonstrate you have your eye on the ball. As well as enabling you to plan accordingly, they will be impressed with your understanding of their business and attention to their requirements.
2. Holiday requests - Rather than making yourself unpopular with a blanket ëno holidayí rule over the summer months, try and accommodate your employeesí holiday requests where you can. As an expert in sourcing and supplying temporary staff to your clients, look at taking on temporary employees of your own.
3. Delegate - Avoid the temptation to take everything on yourself. Even if you are used to managing a team solo, appoint a reliable and trustworthy second in command to help you through the busiest times. Keep them fully briefed on all aspects of the business so you can delegate responsibility if necessary.
4. Keep cash flowing - As more candidates are added to your books and the amount of money being paid out weekly increases, it is essential you have the necessary finances in place. With temporary workers being paid on a weekly basis and clients typically taking a month or more to make payment the result could be a mini cash flow crisis during the hectic summer months. There are now more tailored and flexible solutions available that have been designed specifically to address the unique funding needs of the recruitment industry that can free up cash when you need it.
5. Build relationships - Once the summer season has died down, donít neglect the solid client relationships youíve built up over this period. By building good working relationships with your clients all year round, not just during your busy periods, theyíll be more likely to be understanding and work with you when the pressure is on in the future.
6. Reward staff - The same applies to your employees, consider organising a summer party at the end of the busy period to show them you appreciate their hard work and value the contribution theyíve made towards making the business a success.
7. Take a break - Finally, consider taking a well earned break yourself to recharge your batteries and leave you fighting fit for the next peak in demand.
Edward Rimmer concludes: ìCoping with increased demand when itís at an all time high is difficult for any company. What is important is making sure that where you can you make provisions, so that rather than taking the attitude of just trying to cope with demand, you can make the most of this period and ensure your agency flourishes. Donít let poor planning prevent what should be a great time of the year.î
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Summerís coming ñ donít get burnt
Bibby Financial Services is warning recruitment agencies to plan ahead so that as that the temperature outside rises, tempers inside donít
