Fiona Coyle is the Branch Manager at Off to Work’s newly opened Dublin office. With fifteen years within the hospitality and recruitment sector within Ireland’s capital city, we caught up with her to see why she joined and what she’s looking forward to in the future….

Why OTW?

For me, the main reason was the focus of the company – which is all about the team members. Training and development is strongly encouraged, which in my experience is key. If you have happy employees, satisfied clients are bound to follow.

What is your personal journey?

I’ve always had a passion for hospitality which was started by bartending on the QE2 and included a short time running a bar in Brussels. I then settled in the Four Seasons Dublin where I spent seven years developing personally and professionally across numerous divisions and saw the importance of staff training and development in order to ensure a Five Star service.

How has the casual market changed in the past ten years?

Talent acquisition has without doubt become more challenging! With such a low unemployment rate you really do have to focus on the team members and offer flexibility. From the client perspective most can see the benefits of utilising companies that offer reliable quality trained staff.

Are clients expecting more than before? Are end customers expecting more?

Yes from the client perspective - it's all about reliability and getting consistently good staff. From the end customer’s perspective, whether casual or direct employees, the customers see no difference and equally expect the same level of service.

Are clients expecting quicker turnaround than ever before?

For the most part clients are aware that forecasting is the best tool to ensure optimised staffing is achieved. However the nature of the industry does mean that last minute requests and updates are part of the industry and that a quality provider can work within these parameters.

How do you think perceptions have changed surrounding casual work?

Yes, particularly for team members! They can see the benefits of the flexibility and experience that can be earned.

Do you think businesses are changing their perceptions of a casual workforce? Do you think more businesses could benefit from a service like OTW?

Absolutely! Like most new service offerings it can take a short learning curve but the simplicity and control Off to Work offers will speak for itself. Team members have to pass a rigorous assessment day to prove they have the relevant skills the client demands.

How do you think Brexit will affect the casual recruitment workforce in Ireland?

Hard to say until the final deal is reached but for the most part if the business or staff member can remain flexible, adapt and offer a quality product there shouldn’t be too large of an impact.

Why does Dublin need OTW? How can Dublin benefit from OTW?

Dublin is a vibrant and busy city with new hospitality offerings opening on a daily/weekly basis. The consistent growth, whilst exiting for the city, does put a strain on the current hospitality workforce and Off to Work can offer a quality solution to these issues.

What is the biggest challenge you think clients have?

Finding quality staff, whether temporary or permanent, really is difficult. There are lots of jobs and not enough candidates. Similarly, finding a casual workforce that is trained to a high standard is a constant challenge – so a provider which offers high quality professionals really is a life changer!

To discuss using Off to Work in Ireland, call Fiona on +353 868 368 240 or email fiona.coyle@offtowork.ie

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