The human resources VP of a Michigan hospital system stressed the need to keep the contingent workforce engaged to help get the most from them during a presentation Thursday at the Human Capital Institute’s 2014 Talent Acquisition Innovation Forum in San Francisco.

“We can’t differentiate the blended workforce,” said Erika Duncan, VP of human resources at MetroHealth. “They need to feel engaged, part of the organization.”

MetroHealth is a hospital in Grand Rapids, Mich. It has approximately 350 workers in its “blended” workforce, which includes agency temporary workers and others.

To help keep its blended workforce engaged, the hospital includes it in engagement surveys, recognition, employee night at the zoo, annual bonuses, education offerings, access to internal job postings, service awards and annual performance reviews. MetroHealth also includes its contingents in reference assessments aimed at finding the right people and keeping them aboard.

Duncan likened the potential difference between members of the blended workforce and traditionally hired workers as similar to the difference between renters and homeowners.

“We want people who feel like Metro is their home,” Duncan said.

The HCI Forum continues today in San Francisco.