ProVision is boosting optometry recruitment efforts on behalf of its members, after more than half identified staff recruitment and retention as their top challenge in a recent membership survey.
According to Survey Matters, which conducted the survey on behalf of ProVision, 57% of respondents highlighted it as their biggest concern.
To assist with short- to medium-term optometrist placement, ProVision has welcomed two new referral partners, Locumly and Eyecare Recruitment, to the network.
“These partners offer preferential rates for members and will help attract strong candidates to practice teams,” ProVision said.
The network said the tight labour market last year meant it was challenging to attract applicants to key optometry positions, but it is now seeing a shift in the number of skilled and unskilled applicants for roles in the first few months of 2023.
The trend was also shared by several major retailers at the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) Leaders Forum held last week (22 February) in Sydney, which ProVision attended.
ProVision people and culture manager Ms Leanne Jackson said the network is pleased to see a real lift in the number of applications and is not necessarily finding that metropolitan areas are more attractive than regional offerings.
“However, the challenge remains currently for highly skilled roles being matched to relevant experience.”
To help overcome the challenge, ProVision is actively posting job openings through industry and broader market recruitment platforms, interviewing and shortlisting candidates, and referring candidates with relevant transferable skills and cultural fit.
The organisation also provides members with position descriptions across several practice roles, as well as interview techniques and suggested interview questions, and communicates with applicants through the recruitment process to keep them informed about their progress.
Complimentary ARA membership, which is granted to all ProVision members, further helps with creating compliant employment contracts.
“As part of their recruitment efforts, practices are advised to refine their Employee Value Proposition (EVP). An EVP outlines the benefits and rewards an employee can expect from the practice, and is a helpful tool in retaining staff and making the practice more appealing to potential new hires,” ProVision said.
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