Why is Quiet Hiring Growing in Healthcare?

Healthcare systems are under increasing pressure from budget constraints to talent shortages and high turnover. Quiet hiring offers a way to:

• Respond quickly to emerging needs without lengthy recruitment processes
• Maximise existing talent by identifying hidden skills and potential
• Reduce costs associated with advertising, onboarding and external hires
• Support employee engagement through new growth opportunities

It’s about working smarter with the resources you already have.

How to Leverage Quiet Hiring Strategically

1. Map Your Workforce Skills

Start by understanding the skills and experiences your current staff bring, including informal or underused abilities.

• Use skills audits, employee surveys and performance reviews
• Identify team members interested in developing new competencies

This insight helps identify where quiet hiring can fill gaps or pilot new roles.

2. Promote Internal Mobility and Upskilling

Encourage staff to take on stretch assignments or temporary projects aligned with organisational priorities.

• Offer training or mentoring to bridge skill gaps
• Create clear pathways for lateral moves or promotion
• Recognise and reward flexibility and growth

This not only fills vacancies but strengthens retention and morale.

3. Use Contingent Workers Thoughtfully

Contractors or temporary staff can support teams without formal recruitment cycles.

• Build a trusted pool of healthcare professionals you can call on as needed
• Use flexible contracts to respond quickly to changing demands

This approach gives you agility without the overheads of permanent hiring.

4. Communicate Transparently

Quiet hiring doesn’t mean keeping people in the dark.

• Explain the reasons and benefits behind new role assignments
• Provide clear expectations and adequate support
• Invite feedback to improve the process

Transparency builds trust and helps prevent burnout.

When to Avoid Quiet Hiring

Quiet hiring isn’t a solution for every situation. Avoid relying on it when:

• The skill gap is too wide for current staff to bridge effectively
• Employees are already stretched or at risk of burnout
• Long-term needs require permanent hires
• You need fresh perspectives or specialist expertise

Balance quiet hiring with open recruitment to meet your broader workforce goals.

Final Thought

Quiet hiring is a powerful, strategic tool in healthcare workforce planning, particularly when budgets are tight and talent is in short supply. By unlocking the potential within your existing team and using flexible staffing options, you can meet evolving service demands while fostering a more engaged and adaptable workforce.

At Stroud Resourcing, we help you stop hiring the available and start hiring the exceptional.  Contact us on LinkedIn or simply call us on 01904 239910.