Why Per Diem Healthcare Staffing Is the Gig Economy’s Best Kept Secret

The rise of on-demand work beyond Uber and DoorDash

There’s an on-demand economy that’s growing beyond just the ride-sharing or food delivery services that we’re used to nowadays. There’s a lot more that requires per diem staff, from home repair services to telehealth.

All of these opportunities are being facilitated through mobile apps, which makes it so much more accessible than it’s ever been before.

Not only does this create more accessibility, but it drives more in the way of consumer demand. For that instant access and convenience, it’s something that makes sense to incorporate more of.

Here are some of the key areas of on-demand growth and where they are happening the most.

Groceries and retail

There are plenty of grocery services and retailers jumping on board with per diem staffing, especially when it comes to home delivery to consumers' doors.

Home services

Home services are a great way to provide more for those who might not know how to do the work themselves. From electricians to cleaners, handymen to plumbers, it’s all important work that needs to be done.

Professional and telehealth services

Consumers who are using on-demand models to connect with professionals are benefiting from these services, especially when it comes to medical consultations and healthcare aid in general.

Speciality delivery

This type of job model is expanding into various niche areas, too, with many smaller platforms and businesses taking advantage of what it has to offer.

How per diem staffing reshapes the healthcare workforce

Per diem staffing is certainly reshaping many industries, including that of the healthcare workforce. How so, you might ask. Well, there are many ways in which it’s benefiting companies near and far. Let’s take a look at how healthcare facilities and healthcare workers benefit from per diem healthcare staffing.

For healthcare facilities

Flexibility and cost management

Per diem staff offer the flexibility that some healthcare companies need when it comes to the fluctuation of patient demand. These companies can therefore avoid the long-term costs of permanent hires.

This is a great benefit for smaller businesses and organizations that may have limited funds available.

Reduced burnout

Reduced burnout is always a great benefit to have for your staff. The fewer burnouts that happen, the better your staff will perform in general as a result.

Per diem staff often help to alleviate the burden laid on permanent staff. This often helps to improve staff retention in general. It’s often the case that when staff are feeling constantly exhausted and burnt out, they’re more likely to look elsewhere for something a little easier.

Strategic workplace planning

With the use of data-driven strategies and predictive analytics, the use of per diem staffing can better manage costs and lead to more efficient workforce planning.

Per diem staff can play an influential role in growing the business and helping to take it from strength to strength.

For healthcare workers

Improved wellbeing

Healthcare workers should look to benefit from improved well-being. With the alleviation that per diem staffing provides, permanent staff can look forward to somewhat slightly lighter workloads, as well as the ability to look after themselves both mentally and physically.

Flexibility and work-life balance

Per diem roles are flexible scheduling options that can help to improve the work-life balance for many staff members. A healthy work-life balance is important, especially when it comes to healthcare workers in general. Avoiding burnout is essential to keeping the wheels moving, which is why work-life balance is important to achieve.

Career development

Exposure to different settings and roles is great for career development, and per diem work can often provide that for those looking to excel in their careers.

What other industries can learn from this model?

There are a number of other industries that can learn from this model and that are worth considering if you or your business lands in this category.

Academics and Research

Universities and research institutions can benefit greatly from using per diem staff for conferences, collaborative projects, and fieldwork opportunities where extra support is required.

Technology

With technology, there’s often a need for staff that are available to help when the demand is high or over hours that might not always be fully staffed with permanent staffing.

Technology is also advancing at a rapid rate and so to keep up with the demand and need for advancements, having per diem staff is certainly worthwhile.

Entertainment

The entertainment industry is one that often requires a lot of logistics and planning. From live performances to location shoots, there’s a need for a workforce beyond just those that are there on a permanent basis. Requiring per diem staffing makes the entertainment industry another one that requires such flexibility.

Non-profits and Humanitarian Organizations

There are plenty of non-profits and humanitarian organizations that could widely benefit from the help that per diem staff can offer.

When it comes to per diem staffing, there are lots of benefits to using it within any industry. That extra support is often needed and can provide a great relief for those that are needing the support and help with the workload.

Within the healthcare sector, per diem healthcare staffing is certainly providing much-needed change and help to a workforce that’s often under a lot of strain. By incorporating job types like these ones into healthcare settings, it’s providing that bit more support that your staff might need this year and beyond.

FAQs for Why Per Diem Healthcare Staffing Is the Gig Economy’s Best Kept Secret

What exactly is per diem staffing?

Per diem staffing is a form of on-demand work where you hire staff for short-term assignments, often on a daily basis. It's a key part of the 'gig economy' used to help businesses manage fluctuating demand or cover temporary staff shortages, especially in industries like healthcare.

How does per diem staffing benefit healthcare facilities?

It provides significant flexibility to manage patient surges without the long-term financial commitment of hiring permanent staff. This approach helps in managing costs effectively and can also reduce burnout among your full-time employees by alleviating their workload during busy periods.

What are the advantages for healthcare workers who take per diem roles?

For healthcare professionals, per diem work offers greater flexibility and control over their schedules, leading to an improved work-life balance. It also provides opportunities for career development by exposing them to different work environments, roles, and challenges.

Can other industries besides healthcare use the per diem model?

Yes, absolutely. The model is highly adaptable. Industries like technology, academia, entertainment, and non-profits can all benefit from using per diem staff for specific projects, events, or to manage periods of high demand without expanding their permanent workforce.

Is the on-demand economy limited to services like Uber or food delivery?

Not at all. While ride-sharing and food delivery are well-known examples, the on-demand economy has grown to include a wide range of services. This includes professional services like telehealth, home services such as plumbing and cleaning, and even specialised retail delivery.