Simple strategies to find on-demand staff

Whether you’re running a beachfront bar in Bondi or a fine-diner in the laneways of Melbourne, finding reliable, on-demand staff in the fast-paced hospitality industry can feel like chasing a unicorn – especially during the seasonal summer spike, where casual workers are often juggling multiple gigs, and everyone is on the move.

To navigate this effectively, it’s essential to adopt a proactive recruitment strategy that not only attracts talent but also retains it. Here’s how.

Build and maintain a talent pool of on-demand staff

Don’t let great candidates slip through the cracks after a single engagement. Maintain a database of previous applicants and their performance ratings, allowing you to reach out to them for future opportunities. Regular engagement with this talent pool keeps them informed and interested in potential roles.

Cultivate a positive work environment

A strong company culture is your best recruitment tool. Highlight your workplace values and environment in job postings to attract candidates who align with your ethos. Consider implementing a feedback mechanism for on-demand staff to not only enhances their experience

but create a sense of belonging within your organisation and have on-demand staff lining up to work for you again.

Utilise an agency

Connect with staffing agencies that specialise in your industry and can quickly link you up with qualified candidates. There are several staffing agencies in Australia that specialise in on-demand hospitality-focused staffing, helping businesses connect with qualified candidates quickly, including Pinnacle People, Inac Hospitality, The People Pipeline, and JRM Hospitality.

Leverage the right platforms

In the digital age, your recruitment strategy should also harness the power of online platforms and apps. Whether you need a bartender for a rowdy Friday night sesh or a line cook for a Sunday lunch service, these platforms make it so much easier for restaurants, cafes, and other service-based businesses to fill on-demand positions with skilled, experienced workers who are ready to hit the ground running. Sidekicker is one of Australia’s best platforms for pre-qualified temporary staff, connecting businesses in seconds to a diligently vetted talent pool that provides transparency through worker ratings and reviews. Jitjatjo is another great option for connecting businesses to a pool of fully vetted and experienced hospitality talent across Australia through Flex by Jitjatjo, a platform using AI to match businesses with qualified staff, quickly and efficiently. Job Today is another good choice. The fast-growing worldwide platform allows businesses to post vacancies and get applicants almost instantly and is particularly popular for filling casual and part-time roles in hospitality.

Of course, there will still be no-shows and last-minute calls for help. But platforms like these can help keep things running smoothly, even when the heat is on.