TIARA Staffing Awards US

THE WINNERS ARE PROFILED

Champions of Change

Ray Culver, Managing Director, Americas of TALiNT Partners, explains why the TIARA Staffing Awards US are an important industry benchmark and barometer of confidence

Resilience, innovation and inclusion have all been themes for the TIARAs – with all three demonstrated by this year’s finalists - but transformation is still the over-arching story.

The pace of change in the staffing industry has accelerated so much that only those with the right vision and capability to adapt have been able to capitalize on demand in the boom and sustain growth in the downturn.

As always, those shortlisted for the TIARA Staffing Awards are proving the return on investment in technology, training, and talent. Across all 9 categories, this year’s winners set an example of how to be staffing partners and employers of choice.

The TIARAs recognize those not only accelerating the evolution of staffing but enhancing the perception of the sector. This year’s finalists are the most impressive yet because they have continued to innovate and professionalize no matter what.

It’s great to see so many of the industry’s top brands shortlisted alongside the industry’s most exciting disruptors; with this being our first year presenting the TIARA Staffing Awards in the US, this inaugural class will set the bar for what will be expected for years to come.

A TIARA is THE most prestigious prize in the sector for many reasons, with one of the stand outs being the quality and diversity of our judging panel, distinguished by the breadth of perspectives from across the talent ecosystem, from global contingent workforce leaders to chair-people, investors, advisers and heads of TA and HR from some of the world’s biggest and best employers. They support our judging process with their reputations as well as their considerable experience and insight. Each TIARA entry must be exemplary, and it must impress respected leaders to be a winner.

This year's TIARA Awards are more than just a celebration of individual achievements; they're a powerful testament to the invaluable contribution of the staffing industry. The finalists stand as shining examples within their communities and across the nation, reminding us of the vital role staffing plays in shaping the future of work.

A heartfelt thank you to all participants and our partners Blackwood Capital Group, Bubty, cFirst Background Checks, Mercury, Staffing Future, and Target Recruit who contributed to this event.

CONNECTING THETALENT ECOSYSTEM

We bring together a global network of staffing leaders to share their valuable insights and experiences.

We are hosting Staffing dinners in various cities in 2024, including: Chicago, Atlanta and New York.

Find out more below:

The Best Use of Technology Award

This Award recognizes the best use of technology in a recruitment company to gain a competitive edge by improving candidate experience, client service, productivity or profitability.

Since its inception in 2017, SnapCare has led the charge in transforming healthcare staffing. Its innovative methods have streamlined nurse placements, significantly reducing staffing times. The introduction of the Paymint platform ensures clinicians receive daily payments, solidifying SnapCare as the top choice for healthcare professionals.

clinicians to focus on patient care without administrative burdens.

Setting itself apart from traditional staffing agencies, SnapCare empowers clients with increased resources, control, and transparency in staffing decisions. Through ongoing technological investment, SnapCare maintains high service standards, swiftly adapting to changing demands.

A prime example of SnapCare's effectiveness is its collaboration with a Department of Health in the southeast region to supply school nurses statewide. SnapCare quickly developed an online portal, facilitating requests, verifying credentials, and ensuring ongoing care for thousands of students.

In 2023, SnapNurse rebranded to SnapCare, broadening its mission to serve various clinicians. With a threefold increase in technology investment, particularly in AI, SnapCare introduced a cloud-based platform optimizing healthcare staffing. This platform benefits facilities and clinicians alike, reducing costs, improving patient care, and offering career opportunities.

Significant external investment has fueled SnapCare's growth, enabling further innovation and service expansion. With a roster exceeding 380,000 clinicians and a multitude of satisfied clients, SnapCare remains at the forefront of healthcare staffing evolution.

Judges’ comments: SnapCare has effectively leveraged technology to enhance both client and workforce user experiences, demonstrating innovation and a commitment to excellence in healthcare staffing. Their focus on creating a differentiated platform highlights a dedication to innovating the industry through technological advancements.

The cFirst Client Service Award

This Award recognizes excellence and collaboration in the delivery of a talent acquisition project, campaign or ongoing client partnership.

Quanta Consultancy Services' unwavering dedication to software innovation has consistently elevated the experiences of candidates and clients. With meticulous attention from its in-house IT department, Quanta has developed bespoke software solutions and seamlessly integrated external platforms, streamlining operations while upholding its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) policy.

At the core of Quanta's technological infrastructure lies its proprietary intranet platform, "Compass" This centralized hub merges reporting, resource access, and compliance information, offering consultants swift access to international business solutions and accredited umbrella companies through its "solution finder" feature, facilitating efficient and compliant candidate onboarding.

Emphasizing fairness and inclusivity, Quanta employs Textio to eliminate bias from its recruitment processes, ensuring equitable treatment for all candidates and providing clients with a diverse range of profiles that align with their DE&I objectives.

Strategically expanding in 2023, Quanta established a new office in North Carolina's Research Triangle Park, a focal point for the East Coast's Life Sciences industry. This move amplifies client engagement opportunities and strengthens market presence through in-person interactions and networking efforts.

WINNER

Within the delivery department, specialized Account Support roles have played a pivotal role in achieving notable successes, exemplified by highlighted projects.

Despite market challenges, Quanta exceeded its 2023 targets, experiencing substantial revenue growth and expanding its global footprint. Strategic investments in internal training, leadership restructuring, software innovation, and team expansion have been instrumental in driving this success.

Quanta's remarkable growth trajectory in the US market is particularly noteworthy, with strategic partnerships and a strong presence in key life sciences hubs contributing to its success.

As of 2023, Quanta proudly collaborates with the top 10 pharmaceutical companies globally, underscoring its significant presence in the USA. These accomplishments highlight Quanta's commitment to excellence and leadership within the industry.

Judges’ comments: Judges praised Quanta Consultancy Services for their clear strategy for workforce development which focuses on internal system capabilities to enhance efficiency and client solutions. Their investment in staff development correlates with significant revenue growth, showcasing Quanta as a wellrounded company prioritizing all stakeholders.

FINALISTS

The TargetRecruit Candidate Experience Award

This Award recognizes excellence in the way candidates are sourced, managed and supported to ensure the best outcome.

Quanta's dedication to software innovation yields positive outcomes for candidates and clients. Spearheaded by the in-house IT team, the development of proprietary software and integration of external tools streamline processes while aligning with the company's DE&I policy.

A notable achievement is the 'Compass' intranet, centralizing reporting, resources, and compliance information. Featuring the 'solution finder' function, consultants access international business solutions and authorized umbrella companies swiftly, expediting candidate onboarding and ensuring compliance, resulting in significant time and cost savings. Additionally, Quanta employs Textio to ensure impartial candidate screening, providing equitable opportunities while delivering diverse and inclusive candidate profiles to clients.

Quanta's 'One Team' ethos prioritizes the needs of candidates, clients, and colleagues, with a specialized team dedicated to enhancing candidate experience throughout the recruitment journey.

In 2023, Quanta expanded its presence with a new office in The Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, enhancing accessibility and networking opportunities within the thriving life sciences sector.

WINNER

Despite a competitive landscape, Quanta surpassed strategic targets and achieved substantial growth in 2023. Investments in internal training, senior management restructuring, and innovative software adoption drove this success. Expansion of the US team and the establishment of a fifth international office propelled growth, with US revenue surging from $2.5 million in 2021 to $6.8 million in 2023.

This sustained growth reflects Quanta's commitment to exceptional service and adaptability to industry dynamics. Partnering with 10 of the largest pharmaceutical clients globally by 2023 cements Quanta's position as a trusted leader in life sciences recruitment, particularly in the USA.

Judges’ comments: Judges praised Quanta Consultancy Services for their commitment to community support, staff welfare, and innovation. With well-aligned responses, backed by strong supporting data, Quanta showcased a thorough understanding of candidate experience, making them a standout choice for this prestigious award.

Highly Commended

The Staffing Future Innovation Award

This Award recognizes the best examples of innovation and improvement that have enabled recruiters to gain a competitive edge or grow more profitably.

Pyramid Consulting’s recruitment approach is marked by innovation, departing from traditional methods. A key aspect of this innovation is the strategic integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into their processes. They employ AI-enhanced tools such as 24/7 Recruiting & Care Chatbots, Glider.AI screening tools, and the Hoonr platform to boost the efficiency and effectiveness of their recruitment efforts.

With a strong dedication to innovation in talent sourcing, particularly emphasizing diversity, they utilize GenSpark® to ensure access to a diverse and skilled talent pool.

Their strategy revolves around the dynamic utilization of these tools, tailored to meet evolving client needs. Market Intelligence Data guides their understanding of client hiring practices, enabling them to create customized talent maps and adapt their strategies accordingly.

In instances where local talent pools don't align with client requirements, they pivot to alternatives such as GenSpark® talent development, nearshoring, or offshoring, ensuring strategic talent placement beyond basic recruitment.

Pyramid Consulting’s success is gauged through various metrics including engagement rates, screening accuracy, customer feedback, and time to completion ratios, highlighting their enhanced recruitment capabilities.

FINALISTS

Notably, they've significantly improved contractor support with an advanced AI chatbot, reducing response times by over 50%. Glider.AI's skill assessment solution has remarkably boosted their interview-to-hire ratio.

The Hoonr platform, leveraging AI, expedites talent acquisition, reducing specialized role filling times by over 40%. Their revenue growth from $398M in 2021 to $513M in 2022 is credited to strategic technology implementation in recruitment, enhancing customer satisfaction.

Integration of advanced AI technologies with existing recruitment tools has been pivotal to their growth, enabling intuitive candidate searches and deep skills assessment.

Their commitment to diversity, talent development, data-informed customization, and effective change management ensures alignment with their clients' evolving needs. Continuous support, monitoring, and feedback mechanisms further enhance their approach's effectiveness.

Judges’ comments: Judges praised Pyramid Consulting for their extensive application of AI technologies, which showcased their commitment to innovation. Pyramid effectively demonstrated innovative approaches, backed by measurable metrics, highlighting their dedication to advancing the industry through technological advancements.

The Bubty Growth Staffing Company of the Year

This Award recognizes a high growth recruitment business that has a track record of sustainable growth in sales, profit, headcount, and client base in context of size and stage of scale.

InterEx Group is known for its agility, forward-thinking approach, and innovation, with a strong emphasis on prioritizing employee well-being and satisfaction. They offer comprehensive benefits aimed at ensuring their team feels valued and supported, facilitating peak performance for both clients and candidates.

With round-the-clock support through their Employee Assistance Line, including 12 hours of free counselling, they demonstrate a commitment to addressing personal and professional challenges. Their initiatives like twice-daily mind breaks, 90-minute gym lunches, and self-improvement loans further reinforce their dedication to employee welfare

Their inclusive culture is evident through initiatives like InterEx Elite, fostering camaraderie and fitness, and the "1% club," encouraging excellence with tangible results in job applications. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) are central values, reflected in their 50% female senior leadership and inclusive policies such as paid menstrual leave and support for victims of domestic abuse.

Employee-led initiatives, such as the Culture Crew, showcase their commitment to empowering staff in shaping company culture and operations. Their high Trustpilot rating and returning customer rate underscore their dedication to exceptional service.

WINNER

Continual innovation drives their delivery of exceptional value, offering diversified service packages tailored to client needs and demonstrating agility in talent sourcing. Their growth, fuelled by organic expansion and strategic partnerships like the one with Mars, is supported by substantial funding and reflects their ability to compete globally.

Their impressive growth metrics, including turnover and headcount increases, attest to their competitive edge despite being a young company. In essence, their success story is rooted in innovation, employee wellbeing, and a steadfast commitment to delivering exceptional value to clients and candidates.

Judges’ comments: Judges praised InterEx Group for their exemplary commitment to employees and the community, evidenced by innovative initiatives and impressive growth results across multiple markets. Particularly commendable was their dedication to providing opportunities for individuals without traditional qualifications, reflecting a holistic approach to fostering inclusivity and driving success.

FINALISTS

The Specialist Staffing Company of the Year

This Award recognizes market leaders in a specialist sector who can demonstrate the best growth, depth of knowledge, and differentiation from competitors.

WINNER

ersg's client-centric approach involves deep engagement, including frequent reviews, salary benchmarking, and active participation in career events. Committed to fostering diversity, they collaborate with public and private initiatives to attract and develop individuals from underrepresented groups. They prioritize understanding clients' businesses intimately, maintaining an on-site presence as an extension of their teams.

Offering solutions for diverse challenges like workforce diversity and cost transparency, their range includes Hire, Train & Deploy and Managed Services tailored to client needs. Committed to sustainability, they hold the EcoVadis Gold Medal and maintain ISO standards, supported by specialized advice from APSCo.

They promote inclusivity through initiatives like their Women in Wind community and multilingual capabilities. Addressing talent shortages, they upskill workers and contribute to local communities, exemplified by their campaign in Buckie, Scotland.

ersg’s Quality Charter ensures service excellence through surveys, audits, and compensation analyses. With a successful track record in RPO projects and expansion into new markets like solar and hydroelectric energy, they've surpassed turnover targets and invested in global operations.

Their growth includes expanded divisions and markets, bolstered by rebranding efforts leading to increased website interactions and a growing social media presence.

Expanding RPO solutions into Colorado and targeting hot spots like South Korea, India, and Vietnam, they aim to provide compliant solutions for sustainable growth and development.

Judges’ comments: Judges praised ersg as they demonstrated remarkable understanding of their market and a strong commitment to giving back. With detailed responses, compelling statistics, and passionate testimonials, ersg showcased their dedication to making a meaningful impact.

FINALISTS

The Best Staffing Company to Work For (Under $50M)

This Award recognizes employers of choice in recruitment who can demonstrate excellence in the attraction, induction, development, and retention of their own talent.

As CEO, Amita initially relied on an Off-the-Shelf ATS system for two years, but encountered limitations in customizing recruitment operations. Despite its costeffectiveness and accessibility, the system lacked the flexibility to address the company's evolving needs. Recognizing these constraints, Amita meticulously analyzed recruitment processes, distinguishing between core and non-core functions.

Upon scrutinizing tasks from the moment requirements reached recruiters via the ATS (typically taking about six minutes), non-core activities such as resume formatting (approximately 15 minutes) and uploading to the VMS (3-4 minutes) were identified. Through integrating AI into the ATS, Amita slashed process time to a mere 1.5 seconds, liberating recruiters and saving about 30 minutes per task. This enhancement allowed them to focus more on essential recruitment functions, enhancing Apidel’s efficiency and alignment with client needs.

Amita's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) was evident in her strategic approach to employee engagement. She led the formation of an exclusive team dedicated to prioritizing diversity in recruitment, extending engagement efforts beyond onboarding. This effort resulted in a notable surge in Glassdoor ratings, reflecting the company's pursuit of a more inclusive and engaged workplace.

Apidel responds to numerous client requests for market intelligence on rates, candidate availability, and margins. Amita's emphasis on exceptional service over mere capitalization on demand is apparent. The company's focus on market intelligence is driven by a dedication to delivering superior service rather than profit-centric motives.

FINALISTS WINNER

In 2023, Amita oversaw the company's workforce expansion, doubling the number of employees compared to 2020 to 2023. This increase played a pivotal role in driving remarkable year-on-year growth in both top and bottom lines, significantly contributing to the overall success of the business. This robust financial performance facilitated the strategic expansion into a new line of business, Statement of Work, in 2023.

Amita has attributed her company's transformation to several key qualities that she cultivated over the years. Firstly, her resilience and determination have played a pivotal role in overcoming numerous challenges and cultural stereotypes, laying the foundation for Apidel's success. This resilience has infused the company with a sense of perseverance crucial for navigating the ever-evolving business landscape. Secondly, Amita’s unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusion has nurtured a culture where every team member is valued and empowered. By prioritizing opportunities for underrepresented groups, particularly women and minorities, Amita has forged a diverse workforce that fuels innovation and fosters creativity. Moreover, her visionary leadership has empowered Apidel to adapt to market shifts swiftly and seize growth prospects, propelling the company towards expansion and triumph.

Judges’ comments: Judges praised Apidel Technologies, for their innovative strategies, including leveraging technology. With significant reductions in processing time and improved Glassdoor ratings, Apidel Technologies demonstrated a clear commitment to fostering an exceptional workplace environment.

The Blackwood Capital Best Staffing Company to Work For (Over $50M)

This Award recognizes employers of choice in recruitment who can demonstrate excellence in the attraction, induction, development, and retention of their own talent.

InterEx’s unwavering commitment to enhancing the employee experience is evident through strategic investments in skill development and confidencebuilding initiatives, aimed at delivering exceptional service to clients and candidates.

Offering tailored learning journeys across various organizational levels, such as the comprehensive "Engage" program for entry-level staff and the skillrefinement sessions of the "Enhance" journey, they prioritize continuous professional development.

The introduction of the "1% club" underscores their dedication to excellence, motivating employees to exceed conventional limits and embrace a culture of continual self-improvement.

Their proactive approach to employee well-being includes initiatives promoting mental and physical fitness, reflected in monthly team challenges and innovative benefits packages featuring mental health support, self-improvement loans, and dedicated time for exercise.

In fostering inclusivity, particularly in a maledominated industry, they take pride in their New York office where 8 out of 15 employees are women. This diversity, coupled with opportunities for advancement, contributes to attracting and retaining top talent.

InterEx focused efforts have yielded tangible results, including increased applications, accelerated onboarding times for new hires, and a remarkable boost in retention rates, notably evident during traditionally challenging periods like January.

With a clear vision to become the premier workplace in their sector, they continuously reinforce their global reputation for excellence, supported by high satisfaction rates and robust client partnerships.

Distinguishing themselves through long-term value propositions, innovative service solutions, and swift responsiveness to client needs, they are poised for expansion into new markets and strategic collaborations, solidifying their commitment to sustained growth and excellence.

Judges’ comments: Judges praised InterEx Group for demonstrating a deep understanding of their market, fostering an environment that encourages peak performance and offering accessibility to the CEO. The company's remarkable growth, coupled with clear strategy and comprehensive policies, reflects their commitment to employee satisfaction.

The Mercury Staffing Leader of the Year

This Award recognizes a visionary recruitment leader who has achieved exceptional growth, pioneered transformational improvement - in their business or industry – and inspired the highest levels of engagement and performance from their people.

Amar Panchal is a leader in innovation, dedicated to empowering the Akraya team and elevating services for clients and candidates.

Key initiatives include:

• Early Adoption of Technology: Akraya's development of Raya, a virtual recruiter chatbot integrated with ChatGPT and the internal ATS, has enhanced recruiter productivity by 30% and elevated candidate experience.

• Cultivating Culture as a Competitive Edge: Akraya's home cleaning service has garnered national recognition, aligning the company with industry leaders like Google and Apple.

• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) initiatives serve as a significant differentiator: The Women Back to Work (WBW) program successfully reintegrates women into the workforce, meeting client DEI goals.

• DEI Consulting: Akraya collaborates with clients to enhance their impact on DE&I through strategic partnerships, fostering inclusive workplaces.

• Illustrative Case Study: Collaboration with Pfizer and WBW led to a 30% increase in diversity hires, showcasing Akraya's commitment to meaningful diversity outcomes.

WINNER

Akraya's dedication to delivering added value is evident in:

• Embracing Innovative Solutions: Leveraging cutting-edge technologies like Raya (AI) optimizes recruitment processes.

• Fostering a Diverse Talent Pool: Initiatives such as Women Back to Work contribute to meeting client needs and advancing DEI efforts.

• Recognition as a Best Place to Work: Akraya's outstanding workplace reputation attracts toptier tech professionals, ensuring excellence in projects.

Long-term value is achieved through:

• Client Retention Excellence: Akraya maintains high client retention rates through bespoke solutions and technological advancements.

• Strategic Geographic Expansion: Expansion into new markets aligns with client growth plans, exemplified by services for Google in various countries.

• Highlighting Client Success: Optimized logistics operations with Google's GLO Team led to substantial cost reductions and increased revenue, demonstrating Akraya's commitment to exceptional service.

Akraya has shown significant growth over five years. Accolades like the Best Places to Work 2023 award and recognition as one of the Fastest Growing Staffing firms in the US underscore the company's dedication to success. Employee satisfaction metrics and key performance indicators reaffirm Akraya's commitment to excellence and adaptability in the competitive staffing sector.

Judges Comments: Judges praised Amar Panchal for his exemplary leadership, and dedication to innovation, employee support, and community engagement. The adept handling of challenges, such as managing slowdown in 2023 while retaining key internal talent, highlighted the organization’s resilience and strategic prowess, making it a standout among its peers.

FINALISTS