How technology is modernising recruitment in Temporary Employment Services
Image: Supplied
In the Temporary Employment Services (TES) sector, technology is redefining how companies connect with the right talent, and how quickly and accurately it can happen. With smart tools like Artificial Intelligence (AI), automation, and integrated digital platforms, TES providers in South Africa are now working more efficiently and delivering better results for both employers and job seekers. But this shift isn't about replacing recruitment specialists with machines. Instead, it's about empowering TES professionals to work smarter, focus on strategic relationships, and offer real value in a fast-changing labour market. AI makes smarter, faster matches
One of the biggest challenges in the TES environment is managing high volumes of CVs while in the pursuit of matching the right candidate to the right role in record time. Traditionally, this meant that recruiters would spend hours manually reviewing CVs and cross-referencing job descriptions.
But AI is changing that. By analysing job descriptions and comparing them to candidate profiles using keywords and contextual relevance, AI tools can quickly identify patterns, rank applicants, and prioritise the best matches. These algorithms continuously improve over time, learning from past hiring decisions to enhance future results.
This doesn't just reduce the time it takes to fill a position; it also improves the quality of the match because AI considers factors like availability, experience, and even previous performance to ensure the right person lands in the right role, the first time.
Automation shifts the recruiter's focus
More than just sophisticated candidate matching, automation streamlines many of the repetitive administrative tasks that have, until now, slowed recruiters down.
Tasks such as interview scheduling, document collection, and sending follow-up messages can now be handled automatically. This frees up recruiters' time to play a more strategic and consultative role. Instead of spending hours on paperwork or scheduling, they can focus on understanding client needs, building relationships, and enhancing employer branding. This shift in focus leads to better long-term planning and workforce strategies, allowing TES providers to act not only as staffing suppliers but as trusted workforce partners.
Digital platforms also help recruiters rethink the end-to-end hiring process. These platforms centralise everything - from job postings and candidate databases to communication and task tracking.
For TES providers, this means a more organised, transparent process as communication between recruiters, clients, and candidates becomes smoother and faster, with fewer dropped balls. Real-time dashboards and reporting tools give clients insights into hiring progress and trends, while candidates benefit from quicker feedback and clearer application journeys.
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Next
Stay
Close ✕
It's not just about speed, it's about outcomes
For clients, the adoption of technology by TES providers translates into faster turnaround times, improved quality of hires, and greater visibility into the recruitment process.
Predictive analytics and labour market data give deeper insights into talent availability and hiring trends, which is critical when working on projects like plant shutdowns or ramping up new operations.
Here, candidates benefit too. With better data and AI-assisted matching, job seekers receive more relevant opportunities, quicker responses, and a smoother application experience. The whole process feels less like a black hole and more like a guided journey.
While faster hiring is important, TES providers are recognising that speed alone isn't enough. Prioritising speed over fit can result in poor hires, higher turnover, and long-term reputational damage. By focusing on quality placements, TES providers help build more stable, productive workforces for their clients. The right fit leads to better job satisfaction, stronger performance, and lower employee churn - outcomes that benefit everyone involved.
Technology enhances the value of TES providers
The demands on TES providers are skyrocketing. Clients seek more flexible, agile staffing solutions that can respond to shifts in workforce requirements at short notice. Whether it's responding to a regulatory change, expanding a production line, or supporting a temporary project, TES providers must move quickly and confidently.
Smart technologies, such as real-time labour market analytics and predictive forecasting, can equip TES teams to anticipate skills shortages, adjust talent pipelines, and support clients with effective workforce planning. These capabilities are vital in helping businesses stay competitive and compliant.
Importantly, technology isn't here to replace the human touch in recruitment - it's here to support and strengthen it. For TES firms, digital tools are helping shift the role from admin-heavy tasks to more strategic, consultative work.
With streamlined processes and access to deeper insights, South African TES providers are now better positioned to respond to shifting labour market needs, build lasting client relationships, and offer a smoother, more positive experience for candidates throughout the hiring journey.
Pierre Bekker, Director at Quyn International Outsourcing
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
4 days ago
- IOL News
Why workforce flexibility is key to powering South Africa's renewable future
By supplying skilled, reliable labour that can adapt to changing site needs, TES providers are helping energy operators keep performance high, manage costs, and support surrounding communities. Image: Henk Kruger/Independent Newspapers South Africa's renewable energy sector is entering a new chapter. After years of growth focused on building solar farms and wind projects, the spotlight is shifting, and the new priority is making sure these sites operate efficiently and reliably for the long term. This is where Temporary Employment Services (TES) providers are stepping in. By supplying skilled, reliable labour that can adapt to changing site needs, TES providers are helping energy operators keep performance high, manage costs, and support surrounding communities. From construction to long-term performance In the early days, renewable energy projects were all about construction. Teams were sent into rural areas to build the infrastructure, install panels and get everything up and running. While the construction phase sees the most action, it is once a project has been commissioned that the real work begins, with these sites needing maintenance to ensure they produce energy as expected and remain financially viable. Here, ongoing maintenance is more than a technical requirement. It is essential for the long-term success of the entire renewable energy strategy. These sites need regular inspections, fault detection, cleaning, and servicing to stay productive, as without proper maintenance, even the best solar or wind farm can end up underperforming or sitting idle. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading Maintenance is what ensures these projects continue delivering power, return on investment, and energy security over their full 20-year lifespan. As more sites move from construction to operation, there has been a rise in specialised maintenance companies. They are creating a whole new layer of the industry focused on long-term performance, and they need the right resources in place to keep things running smoothly. A smart, flexible workforce model TES providers are uniquely positioned to support this next phase. Unlike the large workforces required during construction, maintenance relies on smaller, specialised teams that need to be flexible and responsive. TES providers are built to meet this demand, offering a staffing model that allows companies to adjust their workforce according to site needs, without the complexity or cost of hiring permanent employees. TES teams are often involved in renewable energy projects from the construction phase, which means they are familiar with the local talent pool. They identify people with potential and help them grow into skilled roles, so that by the time maintenance starts, there is already a trained and trusted workforce available. Pierre Bekker, Director at Quyn International Outsourcing Image: Supplied
IOL News
28-07-2025
- IOL News
Understanding South Africa's reliance on foreign labour, and the way forward
In many sectors, particularly construction, infrastructure, and logistics, demand for specialised, high-risk or niche skills far outpaces local availability. Image: Henk Kruger/Independent Newspapers South Africa's labour market faces a difficult contradiction: unemployment is high, yet many businesses can't find the skilled workers they need. This is especially true in sectors like logistics and construction, where foreign labour is often used to fill urgent gaps. While this approach helps keep operations running, it often raises concerns that jobs are being taken away from South Africans. But framing the issue as a choice between local and foreign labour doesn't capture the complexity of the problem. What's needed is a practical, balanced approach - one that meets immediate business needs while supporting long-term local skills development. Temporary Employment Services (TES) providers can help businesses strike this balance by handling legal compliance, ensuring fair hiring, and supporting programmes that transfer skills from foreign to local workers. Skills shortages vs. employment needs In many sectors, particularly construction, infrastructure, and logistics, demand for specialised, high-risk or niche skills far outpaces local availability. These shortages are often compounded by the need for flexibility in project-based or high-turnover roles - demands that foreign labour is sometimes better positioned to meet quickly. Foreign workers can also bring specialist expertise not yet widely available in the local talent pool. In these cases, such professionals serve not just as short-term resources but also as potential mentors and catalysts for local upskilling. The issue, then, is not whether foreign labour has a place in the South African economy – it clearly does – but how this labour is recruited, managed, and integrated into the workforce in a way that aligns with national priorities. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Enabling compliance and ethical hiring TES providers offer a compliant, ethical, and efficient framework for meeting urgent workforce needs without undermining employment equity or legal standards. By handling vetting, documentation, and permit validation, TES partners ensure that foreign workers are lawfully employed and that all contracts meet the requirements of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, Labour Relations Act, and other applicable regulations. Importantly, TES providers reduce legal and reputational risk for employers by acting as the legal employer of record, managing worker conditions, pay, and compliance on behalf of their clients. This arrangement offers much-needed operational flexibility while maintaining the integrity of South Africa's labour laws. Building local talent for the long term One of the most strategic roles TES providers can play is facilitating skills transfer from foreign to local workers. Through structured mentorship, buddy systems, and training programmes, TES can help businesses develop a pipeline of South African talent for future roles. Foreign specialists become short-term enablers, not long-term replacements – helping to upskill locals and reduce future reliance on imported skills. This approach supports inclusive growth by uplifting local communities and reinforcing long-term economic stability. It also helps businesses align their workforce strategy with transformation and employment equity goals, which are vital in today's South African business environment. Strategic workforce planning is a shared responsibility Creating a resilient, future-ready workforce requires collaboration between industry, government, and TES providers. Joint sector forums can help identify critical skills gaps, while shared investment in accredited training and mentorship will build a stronger local talent pipeline. Clear policy and streamlined immigration processes are also essential to support fair, lawful hiring. At the same time, businesses should be incentivised to invest in local skills development while managing foreign employment responsibly. By linking hiring strategies to SETA-accredited programmes and forecasting future needs, companies can meet immediate demands and contribute to sustainable growth, job creation, and national transformation goals. Finding the way forward South Africa doesn't need a binary answer to the foreign vs. local labour debate – it needs a smart, fair, and inclusive solution. TES providers are uniquely positioned to offer just that: a scalable, compliant, and opportunity-driven model that addresses short-term skill shortages while laying the foundation for long-term talent development. Foreign expertise should uplift, not displace local talent. With the right partnerships and policies in place, South Africa can close the skills gap, create jobs, and build an economy where both local and foreign expertise are part of the solution – not in competition, but in collaboration. Jacques Maritz is the national sales and service manager of Quyn International Outsourcing. Image: Supplied * Jacques Maritz is the national sales and service manager of Quyn International Outsourcing. ** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL or Independent Media. BUSINESS REPORT
The Citizen
04-07-2025
- The Citizen
Businesses tap Home Affairs' visa reforms to recruit foreign talent and boost tourism
Home Affairs schemes targeting skilled foreign workers and tourism businesses have reaped rewards for employers. Businesses are using recent Department of Home Affairs (DHA) innovations to recruit the best foreign talent. Minister of Home Affairs Leon Schreiber listed his department's successes since taking over the portfolio last year as he presented his budget for the upcoming financial year. The department introduced a host of measures last year, including the ability for companies to register as priority recruiters of foreign employees. Engineers wanted The Trusted Employer Scheme (TES) was introduced following a review of South Africa's work visa adjudications that found the system to have an 'unpredictable nature'. Businesses looking to employ skilled foreign workers are able to apply to the DHA for recognition as a trusted employer to access a streamlined path to recruitment. The criteria for approval include a track record of compliance with labour and tax regulations. Those approved are rewarded with reduced requirements for a predetermined number of visa applications. Schrieber said on Thursday that one company had used the scheme to recruit 246 software engineers and Eskom had recruited 147 nuclear engineers to work at Koeberg. The minister did not reveal the total number of skilled foreign workers to have recently been given a TES visa, but confirmed 71 companies were TES-approved. Home Affairs winning A similar programme exists for tourism companies called the Truster Tour Operator Scheme (TTOS). Schreiber boasted that 65 tour operators were approved during phase one of the programme, with 45 more having been approved during phase two. This has resulted in the creation of at least 1 200 jobs in the sector, and South Africa has welcomed roughly 17 000 tourists from China and India alone since February through TTOS businesses. At the other end of the scale, DHA have facilitated the deportation of 46 000 foreign nationals. '[That is] the highest figure in more than five years and more than countries like France and Germany combined,' said Schreiber. Additionally, illegal border crossing detections have increased 215% thanks to drone and body camera technology deployed at the border. R11 billion budget Other successes include the clearing of a backlog of 300 000 visa applications and the issuing of 3.6 million smart IDs — the most used in a financial year. Schreiber announced he was tabling an R11 billion budget, an increase of over R300 million for each of the next three years. The Border Management Authority will receive R5.5 billion over the next three years. 'Home Affairs is on a transformative journey. If we can make Home Affairs work, so too can South Africa work,' 'If this is what Home Affairs could do in just one year, imagine what we can do in five,' beamed the minister. NOW READ: Here is what's causing delays at Home Affairs offices
