Staying nimble in the face of talent shortages, economic uncertainty, and seasonal fluctuations is enough to make any business owner or HR manager want to scream. Manufacturing, healthcare, technology, and agriculture are especially feeling the pressure of shifting labor dynamics.
Is your business feeling it, too? Before shutting your office door and letting loose a scream, we recommend utilizing a staffing firm, like Westphal Staffing. We can help you navigate these new dynamics and ensure high-quality talent remains accessible to you through project-based and flexible staffing models.
Learn more to find out if one of these models can benefit your company.
Project-Based Staffing
Project-based staffing involves bringing in temporary talent to fulfill a clearly defined goal or complete a specific initiative. These professionals are typically highly skilled and hired with a focus on outcomes.
Key characteristics:
- Goal-oriented
- Time-bound
- Specialized expertise
For example, a company rolling out a new ERP system may bring in an IT project manager to guide implementation. A healthcare organization preparing for an accreditation audit might contract a compliance specialist. Other common use cases include contract reviews, policy development, and HR initiatives like talent acquisition.
Project-based staffing is ideal when you need targeted support for critical projects—without the permanency of a full-time employee.
Flexible Staffing
Flexible staffing is a broader approach that includes a variety of non-traditional work arrangements. This might involve hiring part-time employees, remote workers, freelancers, temp-to-perm candidates, or fractional executives. These models allow businesses to adjust workforce levels based on demand, without the burden of long-term commitments.
Key characteristics:
- Highly adaptable
- Cost-efficient
- Quick to deploy
- Skill-specific
Common examples include temporary administrative support during employee leave, additional customer service representatives during high-volume periods, or engaging a fractional CFO to support a funding round or acquisition. This kind of staffing is designed for adaptability—whether a business is experiencing rapid growth, shifting priorities, or navigating short-term gaps.
Flexible staffing is to be scalable and respond to changing needs.
Why Wisconsin Employers Are Embracing These Models
Several factors are driving the shift toward more flexible hiring strategies. These might seem familiar to you, too.
- Labor shortages continue to affect nearly every sector in Wisconsin. According to the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, key industries like healthcare, manufacturing, and transportation are experiencing sustained difficulty filling open roles. Seasonal shifts, particularly in tourism and agriculture, add another layer of complexity for businesses that need to ramp up quickly for peak periods.
- Economic uncertainty has made many organizations hesitant to add permanent headcount. Flexible staffing allows them to fill critical gaps while staying agile and reducing risk.
- Cost efficiency is another key factor. Bringing on project-based or flexible staff can help companies access specialized skills—such as marketing, IT, or finance—without the overhead associated with full-time employees. It also provides a low-risk way to assess candidates before committing to a long-term hire, especially through temp-to-hire models.
When to Look at Project-Based and Flexible Staffing Models
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to when and how to use flexible staffing, but there are common scenarios where it provides clear advantages:
- You’re entering a busy season or launching a new product
- A key employee is out on leave
- You want to test a new hire before offering a permanent role
- You need fractional C-level support on a short-term basis
- A project requires specialized expertise—but only temporarily
Partner with Westphal Staffing
Navigating flexible staffing options can be overwhelming, but that’s where a trusted staffing partner adds value. We will take care of sourcing, vetting, and onboarding qualified talent—freeing up internal teams to focus on strategic goals. We also manage payroll, benefits, and compliance, ensuring companies stay protected and efficient.
Perhaps most importantly, we have our pulse on the Wisconsin labor market. We’re constantly monitoring industry trends, regional talent availability, and regulatory considerations unique to our state.
If your organization is facing fluctuating demand, staffing gaps, or new strategic initiatives, now may be the time to explore how these models can help.
Need guidance? A quick conversation with one of our experienced staffing consultants can help clarify your options and create a plan to help you move forward. We will match you with the talent you need—when you need it!
Contact Westphal Staffing today to get started. 715-845-5569