The average length of time to place a new employee on payroll for a staffing agency varies depending on the industry, the position being filled, and the experience of the recruiter. According to a recent survey by Staffing Industry Analysts, the average time to hire and place a new employee on payroll in the first quarter of 2023 is 44 days. “In addition, the report showed a widening gap between easy-to-fill and difficult-to-fill roles across all sectors. While some jobs are filled in 14 days, many remain vacant for two to three months or more.”

We’ve all heard about AI and how it can be used in many different industries. Staffing agencies are no different and have been lining up to see if there are benefits in artificial intelligence that can be put to work for them to streamline the huge undertaking that is found in full-cycle recruiting. 

There are benefits from the advancement of technology in many industries; however, in front-facing public services, we should be cognizant of the cons of too much automation. After all, how many of us do everything we can to reach a person on the phone rather than deal with an automated attendant? I know I’ve hit zero numerous times in search of a real live operator when a recording comes up on my phone. A good balance of human interaction and automation is wise. 

Rather than further discussing AI, what many haven’t heard about yet or touched on is Virtual Reality. Some are saying (VR) is an emerging technology that has the potential to revolutionize the staffing industry. 

VR can be used to create immersive and realistic experiences that can help staffing agencies to:

Assess candidates’ skills and experience: VR can be used to create simulations that allow candidates to demonstrate their skills in a real-world setting. How could this work? A staffing agency could use VR to create a simulation of a customer service interaction or a technical interview.

Train new hires: VR can be used to create safe and realistic training environments for new hires. Manufacturing training can specifically use VR to train new manufacturing workers on safety procedures, equipment operation, and quality control. A VR simulation could put new hires in a virtual factory environment where they have to identify and avoid safety hazards, operate machinery, and inspect products for quality assurance.

Onboard new hires: VR can be used to create onboarding experiences that help new hires learn about the company culture and their job responsibilities. A staffing agency has the ability to use VR to create a virtual tour of the company office or a virtual introduction to the company’s team members of the firm the new temporary associate will be assigned to work for.

Improve employee morale: VR can be used to create fun and engaging experiences for employees. For example, a staffing agency could use VR to create a virtual team-building exercise or a virtual game.

VR is still a relatively new technology, but it has the potential to have a significant impact on the staffing industry. Staffing agencies that are able to adopt VR early could be well-positioned to attract and retain top talent. Again, human interaction is irreplaceable in many instances, and the staffing industry would do well to ensure automation is not found in too many facets of their operation. Especially considering staffing is a human resource or “people” business. The temporary associates in the staffing industry are the business and therefore should be every agency’s top priority. 

That being said, here are some specific examples of how VR is being used effectively in the staffing industry:

Randstad, a global staffing firm, is using VR to assess candidates’ skills for warehouse jobs. The VR simulation puts candidates in a virtual warehouse environment where they have to pick, pack, and ship orders.

Randstad currently shares this on their website under career advice: VR training specialist: In manufacturing and logistics, these specialists develop VR simulations to provide staff with realistic, hands-on training experiences. This can cover everything from operating heavy machinery to navigating warehouse management systems.

An article in SHRM by Lin Grensing-Pophal noted that “Virtual reality (VR) technology allows candidates to experience what it would be like to work in certain jobs or at specific organizations. Once the employees are hired, the employer can use VR to provide training in near-real-life situations.”

Under the K-Learning Group umbrella, Kelly shares how the aerial work platform simulator lets you “experience the actual feeling of an elevated basket without leaving the ground. Navigate through real-world scenarios while gaining control, familiarization, and understanding of AWP behavior. A completely immersive experience that ensures strong learning and outcome retention.”

Adecco, another global staffing firm, is using VR to train new employees on safety procedures. The VR simulation puts new hires in a virtual construction site where they have to identify and avoid safety hazards. Adecco also launched a pilot program in Belgium to train forklift drivers and order pickers using three large mobile VR simulators. Adecco has also partnered with BluWorkz to provide VR-based forklift upskilling services to non-credentialed workers in the United States.

Kelly Services, a global staffing firm, is using VR to onboard new hires. The VR simulation takes new hires on a virtual tour of the company office and introduces them to the company’s team members.

VR is a powerful tool that can be used to improve the staffing process in a number of ways. Staffing agencies that are able to leverage VR will be able to provide a better experience for candidates and clients alike. Staffing firms are eager to learn about any methods or tools that can streamline the recruiting and hiring process, reducing the time and effort required for each step. But smart staffing firms also realize the steps where connection with human beings is critical during this process as well. 

If you haven’t implemented some technology into your staffing firm at this point and would like to learn more about some basic areas in the industry where automation drastically improves your business, begin today. I would suggest starting with COATS Staffing Software’s integrated partners, who have current automation capabilities that can improve your hiring process today. Timerack, Efficient Hire, and Text Request all add to our clients bottom line on a daily basis. Contact us to learn more.