Flexible workforce models in healthcare: A smarter way to meet demand
Staffing challenges in the healthcare landscape are no longer the exception—they’re the norm. From seasonal surges to chronic workforce shortages, healthcare organizations are under pressure to maintain high-quality care while managing costs and avoiding burnout. Enter flexible workforce models, a strategic approach that’s transforming how hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities manage their workforce.
Here we break down popular healthcare workforce models, their benefits, and the best times to use them.
Benefits of flexible healthcare workforce models
Flexible workforce models offer a range of advantages for both healthcare providers and professionals:
- Improved work-life balance
Healthcare workers gain more control over their schedules, reducing burnout and improving job satisfaction. - Enhanced recruitment and retention
Facilities offering flexible options are more attractive to job seekers and have higher staff retention rates. - Cost efficiency
Hiring per diem or contract workers helps reduce overtime and long-term employment costs. - Better patient coverage
Facilities can quickly respond to surges in patient volume or unexpected absences without compromising care. - Access to specialized skills
Temporary or remote roles allow organizations to tap into niche expertise without permanent commitments.
Popular healthcare workforce models
Let’s break down the most widely used workforce models and when each is most effective:
| Workforce model | Description | Best used when |
| Full-time employees (FTEs) | Staff with regular schedules and long-term contracts | For stability, continuity of care, and predictable patient volumes |
| Per diem staffing | On-demand workers who fill shifts as needed | During seasonal surges, emergencies, or to cover absences |
| Contract-based staffing | Temporary professionals hired for specific durations or specialties | When specialized skills are needed short-term or during peak demand |
| Gig economy platforms | Freelance-style staffing via apps or platforms | For rapid, cost-effective staffing with minimal overhead |
| Top-of-license staffing | Staff perform duties aligned with their highest qualifications | To optimize labor costs and improve job satisfaction |
| Cross-training model | Staff trained to handle multiple roles or departments | When flexibility and rapid redeployment are needed |
When to use each model
Choosing the right staffing model depends on your facility’s needs, patient volume, and workforce goals:
- Use full-time staffing when you need consistency, deep institutional knowledge, and long-term stability.
- Deploy per diem and contract staff during flu season, holidays, or when facing sudden spikes in patient admissions. These models offer quick relief without long-term commitments.
- Leverage cross-training to reduce overtime and improve coverage across departments. This is especially useful in larger hospitals with variable census across units.
- Tap into gig platforms when you need fast, flexible staffing without the delays of traditional hiring. Great for urgent shift coverage or short-term projects.
The future of healthcare hiring
Flexible workforce models aren’t just a trend—it’s a strategic imperative. As technology advances and workforce expectations evolve, healthcare organizations must adapt.
Moreover, the temporary healthcare staffing market is projected to grow steadily at 4.1% annually, reaching $80.1 billion by 2031. That’s a clear signal that flexible models are here to stay.
Flexible staffing models empower healthcare organizations to be agile, efficient, and resilient. By blending full-time stability with on-demand agility, facilities can meet patient needs without overburdening their teams. Whether you’re managing a small clinic or a sprawling hospital system, embracing flexibility is essential.
Finding healthcare talent for some of these models can be tough, but Addison Group makes it easy. Our expert Healthcare recruiters have been matching top talent with established companies for more than 20 years. Let’s talk about how our team can help find the opportunity that is right for you, not just what’s available.
