Article

How to increase your Contractors Retention in Ireland's STEM Landscape

Ireland has emerged as a powerhouse in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math's), boasting a dynamic landscape enriched with innovation and research and development.

Ireland has emerged as a powerhouse in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math's), boasting a dynamic landscape enriched with innovation and research and development. Among the top players, medical device companies like Stryker, Boston Scientific, Medtronic, and Abbott have significantly contributed to the country's prominence on the global STEM map. In this blog, we delve into the importance of contractor retention, share the latest statistics on these prominent medical device companies, and uncover key insights to ensure a flourishing STEM workforce in Ireland. 

The Ever-Growing STEM Landscape in Ireland: 

Ireland's STEM sector has gained momentum over the years due to various factors such as Ireland low corporation tax, the investment into research and development, along with Ireland highly skilled workforce. As of 2023, the country is home to many thriving medical device companies offering Irish talent exceptional job opportunities and career progression in the Engineering, Science and IT sector. These companies play a crucial role in driving innovation, advancing healthcare technologies, and contributing to the nation's economic prosperity. 

Current Statistics: 

As of 2023, the top medical device companies in Ireland are making remarkable strides: 

  1. Stryker: Specialising in medical equipment and devices. With a focus on orthopedics, neurotechnology, and surgical solutions, Stryker has become a key player in Ireland's STEM landscape. 

  1. Boston Scientific: Renowned for its groundbreaking medical solutions, Boston Scientific has played a pivotal role in transforming patient care. The company's commitment to innovation and advancement has solidified its presence in Ireland. 

  1. Medtronic: A global leader in medical technology, services, and solutions. Medtronic remains dedicated to enhancing patient lives through cutting-edge healthcare solutions. Their presence in Ireland is contributing to the nation's technological prowess. 

  1. Abbott: Abbott continues to create a positive impact on healthcare through a diverse range of medical devices, diagnostics, and nutrition products. With a strong presence in Ireland, Abbott is a testament to the nation's prominence in the medical device industry. 

Importance of Contractor Retention in STEM: 

In the fast-paced world of STEM, contractor retention holds paramount importance for several reasons: 

  1. Knowledge Continuity: Contractors often bring specialised skills and knowledge to projects. Retaining your contracting talent ensures that this expertise remains within the company, contributing to smoother project execution and knowledge transfer to permanent employees. 

  1. Flexibility and Agility: Contractors offer flexibility to scale up or down based on project requirements. Retaining your Contracting team facilitates rapid response to changing project needs without the challenges associated with hiring and onboarding new individuals. 

  1. Innovation: Contractors often bring fresh perspectives and diverse experiences, fostering innovation within the company. Their unique insights can lead to breakthrough solutions and creative problem-solving to often complex problems. 

  1. Cost-Effectiveness: Long-term contractors can be more cost-effective than hiring new talent for short-term projects. Investing in their retention can yield significant returns by minimising recruitment and training expenses. 

Key Insights to Retaining Contractors: 

Having good contractor retention strategies can significantly impact the success of STEM companies. Here are some key insights showing you how:  

  1. Clear Communication: Maintain open lines of communication with contractors to ensure alignment with project goals, expectations, and milestones. Regular feedback sessions can foster a sense of belonging and purpose. Contractors working on assignments frequently face uncertainty about their next contract opportunity. Clear communication from the employer assures contractors that work will continue, reducing the likelihood of them seeking new opportunities and increasing their commitment to their current contract. 

  1. Professional Development: Provide opportunities for skill enhancement and professional growth. This not only benefits the contractors but also adds value to your projects. Investing in the continuous upskilling of contractors not only enriches their skill sets but also fosters a sense of loyalty and engagement. 

  1. Inclusive Environment: Create an inclusive work environment that integrates contractors into your the company culture. This brings a sense of belonging and encourages long-term commitment. When contractors are treated as integral members of the team, they become more motivated, collaborate better with permanent staff, and are more likely to go the extra mile to ensure project success. 

  1. Recognition and Rewards: Recognise the contributions of contractors through rewards and acknowledgments. Feeling valued enhances their job satisfaction and loyalty. The simplest forms of recognition, such as a well-deserved "well done" or praise for their efforts boost morale. 

  1. Collaboration: Encourage collaboration between contractors and permanent employees. Inspire knowledge sharing and cross-functional teamwork to enhance project outcomes. A collaborative environment promotes cross-pollination of ideas, which can lead to more efficient processes and higher-quality outcomes, resulting in contractor retention. 

The strategic retention of contractors is key if you are looking to harness and maximise contractors' expertise and maintain knowledge continuity within your team  

Are you seeking to bolster your STEM projects with expert contracting talentAt HERO Contracting, we specialise in connecting exceptional contractors with companies at the forefront of innovation. Whether you're a experienced contractor looking to make an impact or a company seeking to tap into the best contracting talent, we have you covered. Get in touch with us at hello@hero.ie or explore our range of contracting job opportunities or expert contracting talent today.  

Together, let's shape the future of STEM in Ireland and beyond. 

Search Jobs

Match my CV

We take the hard work out of finding you a new job. Simply upload your CV (or call us) and we’ll get hunting for you!