Streamline recruitment: three ways tech can help housing and social care

One of the most persistent challenges for housing and social care organisations is attracting new employees. 

The sector experiences high turnover rates due to factors like demanding work environments, low pay and limited career progression. 

In fact, Care England has called for urgent action and support from the Government to tackle the adult social care recruitment crisis, as the latest reports show vacancies remain unbearably high.   

A representative from Care England has warned that the pressure is unsustainable and that the current workforce is “stretched beyond its limit”.  

There’s good news! Recruitment technology, also known as an Applicant Tracking System (ATS), can make a big difference, helping organisations optimise and accelerate the hiring process.

In this blog, we’ve covered three ways recruitment tech can help.

1) Simplify your vacancy approvals

A common holdup in recruitment is waiting for vacancy authorisations.

Hiring managers are dealing with an endless back-and-forth of emails, dragging out the process and wasting valuable time.

How recruitment software can help

Recruitment software fixes the hold-up with vacancies by utilising clever automation.

For example: recruitment software can send instant alerts and reminders to the people responsible for approvals. These automated nudges keep things moving and help you avoid unnecessary delays without the need for manual follow-ups.

Additionally, recruitment software also provides a clearer view of each vacancy, so you can quickly see where there are bottlenecks.

2) Smarter role advertising

Are you sick of having to post the same vacancy in multiple locations to try to increase your chances of finding the right candidates?

Getting the word out about your open roles doesn’t have to be complicated!

How recruitment software can help

Recruitment software enables you to post your job ads across multiple platforms, all from one system.

With just a few simple clicks, you can reach a wider pool of candidates faster.

Additionally, recruitment software compiles responses from all channels in one place, ensuring you never miss a great candidate.

3) User-friendly application forms

Long, complicated application forms can deter good candidates.

The aim should be to collect enough information so you can make an informed decision without making people jump through hoops.

How recruitment software can help

Modern recruitment tools offer flexible templates that help simplify the application process.

These templates streamline the information gathered, ensuring you only get what you need and candidates enjoy a smoother experience.

An added bonus is that all the data also automatically transfers into your recruitment system, cutting out manual data entry and reducing the risk of human error.

Don’t lose time (or top talent!)

Housing and social care organisations face enough challenges without slow hiring processes holding them back.

The right tools can help you reduce hiring costs, save time, minimise stress and secure the crucial staff needed.

The top three HR challenges impacting housing and social care organisations

Immense recruitment pressure isn’t the only challenge impacting those in housing and social care!

Our recent guide covers the top three HR challenges impacting organisations, offering tangible advice and tips.

Download the FREE guide here and discover practical solutions and insights to help you tackle these HR challenges head-on.

Stephanie Coward

Managing Director, HCM

Stephanie Coward is Managing Director for HCM at IRIS, where she leads the strategy, innovation and growth of the organisation’s HR and payroll portfolio. She is responsible for positioning IRIS as a trusted partner to HR professionals and ensuring its solutions support the evolving needs of modern workforces.

With more than 25 years’ experience in the technology sector, Stephanie brings deep commercial and operational expertise, with a passion for improving the employee experience through technology.

Stephanie is committed to advancing IRIS’ HCM offering and helping organisations build more resilient, empowered workforces.