August 25, 2023
Many Caribbean countries, similar to those around the world, have been challenged with having enough healthcare workers, especially after the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the chief executive of a regional recruitment service is encouraging healthcare employers not to be discouraged.
Joseph Boll is CEO of Caribbean Employment Services Inc., a market-leading digital talent acquisition firm that aims to connect the top talent from the Caribbean with hiring managers, HR professionals and decision-makers in companies both within the Caribbean as well as abroad.
“Even though healthcare workers are still in high demand, a lot of times, the shortage isn’t so much about not having enough skilled workers as it is about not having the right approach,” said Boll. “A lot of healthcare workers have the opportunity to work abroad right now, either in neighbouring Caribbean countries or North America, Europe and beyond. Just recently we worked with a major UK employer who was looking to hire as many international nurses as possible, not just in the Caribbean but around the world. But while a lot of employers see this happening and think they can never hope to compete, a lot of times they’re holding work-abroad opportunities in higher regard than even the workers are. A lot of workers just don’t want to leave home, and would rather stay and work than risk going to work in a foreign country. So, just because there’s a shortage and you may see a lot of people going overseas to work, don’t count yourself out.”
Rather, Boll said some healthcare employers “suffer” from the same recruitment faux-pas that many other Caribbean employers do — by using antiquated means to find staff.
By taking their recruitment drive online and using a professional talent acquisition service such as the one his company provides, Boll maintained that healthcare employers can appeal to a wider talent pool and paint themselves in the best possible light.
“Government or academic training programmes that some countries like Guyana are introducing will be helpful, but not for a year or two or more while individuals are trained,” said Boll. “In the meantime, healthcare employers need staff now, and going through a professional, digital service is the best way to do it. Whether you are looking for local staff only, or if you’re open to recruiting from abroad, taking the recruitment process online is in your best interest in the same way it’s in the best interest of jobseekers who may be looking for healthcare opportunities but who may not want to move abroad. Caribbean countries have been somewhat reluctant to go fully digital, but this is one aspect of it that could benefit jobseekers, entrepreneurs and businesses alike.”