Staffy, which has created an online marketplace that connects businesses with skilled workers in the hospitality industry, is shifting its focus from hospitality to a range of other industries during the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak.
“We also know that these same workers are the hardest hit by the economic downturn caused by the pandemic.”
The Toronto-based startup is now extending its platform to senior living centres, healthcare organizations, grocery and food distributors, as well as manufacturing, general labour, and delivery organizations. By working with these other industries, Staffy hopes its platform can continue to support a broader group of skilled workers in addition to the hospitality workers it currently serves.
“We cut our teeth in hospitality so we know that line cooks, servers, and dishwashers are some of the hardest working and most flexible workers out there,” says Staffy CEO Peter Faist. “We also know that these same workers are the hardest hit by the economic downturn caused by the pandemic. That’s why we are opening up our platform to help them find alternative work during these challenging times.”
Staffy’s platform allows businesses to find last-minute workers, such as bartenders or dishwashers, and select the type of position they want to fill. Businesses are then asked to provide information on where and when they need staff for. Once they’ve listed their need, Staffy will send somebody to the business within 90 minutes.
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Staffy currently serves five markets: Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, New York, and Houston. The platform allows contractors to pick up shifts tailored to their skills, experience, and schedule. Workers have the ability to set their own hourly wage, to reflect their skills and experience.
Faist noted that many companies are facing new challenges as the COVID-19 pandemic escalates globally. Some businesses are faced with a reduced workforce as people self-quarantine, while others have seen demand for their services skyrocket.
“We have a database of more than 30,000 workers from cities across North America who we have pre-screened and verified to work on our platform,” said Faist. “We are committed to them and their families during this time, and are happy to assist any company or organization that needs their help.”
Image source Unsplash. Photo by Luis Melendez
