Be Prepared for Unexpected Increases in Workloads

For Compliance Officers, being prepared to address unexpected increases in workload can be a real challenge. One effective way to manage this is by establishing On-Call arrangements with reliable and trusted consulting partners. These arrangements can enable immediate assistance by having pre-approved terms and conditions already established. Such arrangements can help maintain workforce flexibility, allowing organizations to address demand surges without overstaffing during quiet periods. This ensures the ability to scale up only when necessary. Additionally, payments are made only for actual time worked, avoiding the costs of hiring staff during workflow spikes and eliminating expenses related to overhead, benefits, or long-term salaries. This model is especially advantageous for organizations with tight budgets or fluctuating workloads.

Other strategic, operational, and financial benefits of On-Call agreements include:

1. Bringing in high-level knowledge and expertise that may not exist internally.
2. Aiding in addressing complex projects, regulatory issues, or crisis management.
3. Providing rapid response to urgent needs.
4. Arranging payment terms in advance, avoiding a higher rate negotiated during a crisis.
5. Enabling rapid deployment of highly experienced and qualified professionals when needed.
6. Providing support during temporary leaves or hiring gaps.
7. Supporting when there are internal gaps in technical knowledge or experience.
8. Reducing stress on unprepared staff faced with unexpected or specialized issues.
9. Providing credibility for critical decisions or external scrutiny (e.g., government audits).
10. Serving as advisors or interim executives on an as-needed basis for strategy planning.
11. Relieving pressure on employees during high-demand periods or staff absences.
12. Offering fresh, unbiased insights not influenced by internal politics.
13. Assisting in launching new service lines or locations without committing to permanent hires.

It is advisable to include the following in the On-Call contract: “Contractor agrees to be available for on-call duty and will be compensated at [$X/hour] for requested task work.”

Interested in learning more?  Richard Kusserow is available by email at [email protected].

About the Author

Richard P. Kusserow established Strategic Management Services, LLC, after retiring from being the DHHS Inspector General, and has assisted over 3,000 health care organizations and entities in developing, implementing and assessing compliance programs.