Optimal Staffing

Maximize Your ROI by Controlling Fixed and Variable Costs

As companies face the challenge of doing more with less to remain competitive, many are operating with a lower headcount than is required to meet their workload needs throughout the year. Maintaining the optimal level of staff to meet business objectives is an ongoing challenge all businesses face. What is your optimal permanent headcount? When you have a non-recurring need for a specific skill set, should you hire someone or use temporary staff?

• Companies who employ full-time staff for peak workloads have idle capacity and higher costs.
• Companies who employ only enough staff to handle the workload valleys face increased risks of:

1. Failure to complete projects during peak workload seasons
2. Burnout and turnover of staff
3. Unnecessary errors made by employees who don’t have enough time to be thorough

Most companies find that optimal staffing includes a combination of permanent personnel for the valleys and temporary/contract staffing for the peaks. Sherpa can craft an effective staffing strategy for you by incorporating the element of flexibility. An effective strategy has become a necessity as companies work diligently to reduce costs to remain profitable and competitive as illustrated below.

A staffing strategy that incorporates an element of flexibility has become a necessity as companies work diligently to reduce costs to remain profitable and competitive.