Texting and emailing are becoming the communication method of choice for temporary workers, particularly those in healthcare and industrial. Research by Staffing Industry Analysts found that 60% of temporary workers would prefer to be contact via email or text, including 30% who wish to be texted.

SIA research also found that 100% of commercial, industrial and healthcare staffing firms plan to use texting/email technology to some degree, with more than 60% planning to increase usage and no respondents planning to scale back usage.

Among all staffing firms, 98% planned to use such technology in 2022.

Texting/email technology is also this week’s Staffing Word of the Week, and here is the term’s definition in SIA’s Lexicon:

“Automated texting and email technology enables organizations to send candidates text messages and emails in an automated fashion. Typically, these solutions integrate with a firm’s applicant tracking system, and may be used to send notifications to applicants in the ATS based on different criteria. For example, a firm might set up a text message to go out to a certain population of candidates when a certain job requisition is posted.

“Generally, the goal with such technology is twofold. First, the automation aspects of the technology can increase productivity and efficiency. Second, by sending messages in a format preferred by candidates, organizations can increase the chance the candidate will open and read the message, potentially increasing open rates, engagement and ultimately, placements.”

SIA’s Lexicon is available for free and can be found in the free resources section of SIA’s website.