There has never been a better time to need a temp or to be a temp! We are all reminded on a daily basis about the dismal economy. Layoffs, wage concessions and downsizing are everywhere. How then can this be a good time to need a temp or be a temp? Let's take a look.
According to the American Staffing Association, "even in - or perhaps, because of - the dismal economy, chief financial officers say there are many reasons to engage temporary employees." The reasons include the flexibility to increase work forces as demand dictates and the opportunity to evaluate the employer-employee relationship before hiring. One CFO said using temporary employees gives him "comfort that he's not going to end up making an unwise hire when he can least afford it."
The pool of talented temporary workers is larger than ever. Due to the current employment market there is opportunity to find qualified temporary employees who might otherwise not be available.
How does this information relate to dental facilities? Many offices are beginning to see increases in patient bookings. Others may not have replaced a part time hygienist or assistant who left over the past several months. Now may well be the time to add staff. In these uncertain economic times, perhaps adding a temporary employee makes the most sense. This allows time to confirm the office is busy enough to sustain another employee.
Flexible Rates now put you in control of the hourly base pay rate. Facilities will be billed the agreed upon base pay rate plus direct payroll costs and RDH Temps management fee. The elimination of daily overtime allows more flexibility to accommodate last minute changes in your schedule.
Using
RDH Temps for your temporary staffing needs also gives you the peace of mind that all necessary employment documents are in place. We are the temps' employer and payroll provider, handling all withholdings. RDH Temps performs criminal background checks and participates in the US Government eVerify Program confirming identity and eligibility of staff to work in the United States. RDH Temps carries full liability insurance (including general liability and professional liability) for temporary Dental Hygienists and Dental Assistants.
How can staff make the most of this economic climate? To steal a phrase -
"Be the Best that You Can Be!" It is important to remember we are all in this together as a society. You may not want to think about it, but the dental facility you work with is hurting as well.
- Patients are losing jobs and dental insurance thus postponing or cancelling appointments.
- Patients are slower paying bills, or not paying at all.
- Facilities are now choosing to take insurance plans that pay less which they might not have taken in good times.
- More patients are choosing less profitable procedures, i.e. less Whitening, less Cosmetics, less Implants and Prosthetics.
- Loans for high ticket items such as digital radiograph systems are not as easy to acquire.
- The cost of dental equipment, now high tech, has skyrocketed.
As stated previously, the pool of candidates is large. There are ways to make you stand apart.
- Make yourself 'Preferred'. Some offices are offering a higher base pay rate for their preferred list of staff.
- Enhance your skill set. Some offices pay more for a CDA or a dental hygienist with a local anesthesia permit.
- Provide RDH Temps with copies of your Immunization Records. Many more facilities are now requiring some or all of the A.C.E. Documents.
Work more as an A.C.E.
- Be on time for your assignments.
- Appearance counts. Look neat and professional.
- Be friendly and respect the operations of the facility at all times.
- Do your best. Strive to become a preferred temp for each facility.
- Act like you are happy to be there. If a facility chooses not to have you back (or you do not wish to go back) you will be on the 'No thank you' list for that facility, decreasing the number of jobs available to you.
- Don't talk about pay! Walking around discussing what you used to make, or usually make more, is unacceptable.
- Call RDH Temps regularly for work! Things change quickly - call 2-3 times each day to check for assignments.
When life gives you lemons, make lemonade! As we travel along on this bumpy economic ride, remember to look for the lemonade!
Elaine is an alumnus of Northeastern University where she majored in Human Services. Her dental office experience was in practice management.
Recognition was based on using using permission-based email marketing and communicating regularly with our customers and mailing list members.
