Do you respect lead times when placing orders with your staffing partner, or do you expect results overnight?
Successful staffing depends on planning ahead. Clients often expect their agency to deliver qualified candidates immediately, but the reality is that strong recruiting takes time. The clients who plan their workforce needs in advance see better matches, stronger retention, and fewer last-minute surprises.
Why Lead Time Matters
When staffing requests come in at the last minute, agencies have fewer options. The best candidates are often already working, and the remaining pool may not meet the skill, schedule, or culture fit your roles require.
Even a few extra days of notice can make a big difference. It allows recruiters to screen, interview, and onboard associates who are not just available but truly suited for the job.
The Cost of Rushed Requests
Rushed orders can lead to mismatches, absenteeism, and short-term fills that do not last. That creates more turnover, retraining, and lost productivity. What looks like a quick fix often ends up costing more time and money than planned.
When urgent needs arise, your staffing partner will always do their best to respond quickly. But consistent last-minute requests make it harder to maintain quality and continuity.
Planning Is a Shared Responsibility
How to Improve Lead-Time Collaboration
- Communicate early and often. Share updates even if headcounts are not final.
- Plan for peak seasons. Review data from previous years and build extra cushion.
- Keep your staffing partner in the loop. Transparency helps them plan recruiting pipelines.
What to Consider
Ask yourself: Do you give your staffing agency enough time to find the right people, or just enough time to fill a shift?
Strong partnerships are built on communication and respect for the process. When clients plan ahead, agencies can deliver what both sides want most — reliable, qualified workers who stay.
If planning ahead has been a challenge, Xcel can help. Our team tracks labor trends, forecasts seasonal demand, and builds recruiting pipelines that align with your production goals. Contact us to start a conversation.