Did you know that a significant number of government staffing contracts fail to meet their fulfillment rates? It underscores a critical reality: operating efficiently in this industry isn’t just an advantage—it’s essential. Wander Staffing, a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) and 8(a) firm, has embraced lean operations to deliver exceptional results. By maximizing resources, empowering employees, and focusing on quality over quantity, Wander Staffing has built a reputation as a trusted leader in government healthcare staffing.
What Lean Means at Wander Staffing
Lean operations at Wander Staffing go beyond simply cutting costs. Instead, it’s about intentionally maximizing resources while maintaining agility and quality. Rachel McGee, the company’s Chief Operating Officer, emphasizes this approach: “The fact that we are the size that we are on paper financially with as few corporate staff as we have is unbelievable.”
This discipline has enabled Wander Staffing to maintain a 100% fulfillment rate in healthcare roles at government facilities, a benchmark many larger competitors fail to meet. At the heart of this success is a philosophy that values planning and execution over rapid expansion.
Prioritizing Quality Over Quantity
One of Wander Staffing’s guiding principles is to focus on fulfilling contracts with excellence rather than overextending its resources. The company’s deliberate approach to bidding is key to this philosophy. Rachel explains, “We don’t bid to win it. We bid to staff it.” This means that Wander Staffing evaluates every opportunity to ensure it has the capacity to deliver on its promises, avoiding the pitfalls of underperformance that plague many in the industry.
This strategy has paid off. Wander Staffing has established itself as a reliable partner with zero cash flow issues—something Rachel credits to the team’s proactive mindset. “We aren’t making decisions out of insecurity or reactiveness. This is all proactive,” she says.
Scaling with Smart Systems
One of the biggest challenges for any lean operation is scaling effectively. At Wander Staffing, the implementation of scalable systems has been a game-changer. Tools like Paycom have streamlined payroll and post-employment data management, eliminating inefficiencies.
Rachel highlights the impact of these efforts: “It’s a lot of work, but it’s going to reduce the multiple touch points that everybody requires all of the time.” By focusing on scalable solutions, the company is setting itself up for sustainable growth without losing its lean edge.
Empowering a Multi-Talented Team
Lean operations thrive on empowered employees, and Wander Staffing is no exception. Flexibility and autonomy are ingrained in the company’s culture, allowing team members to wear multiple hats and rise to meet any challenge.
Rachel’s career trajectory within the company illustrates this perfectly. She started in recruiting but quickly expanded her responsibilities to include credentialing, benefits administration, and more. This versatility is encouraged by founder Gabriel Wander, whose leadership sets the tone for the entire organization. “Gabe empowers us to have a lot of flexibility and autonomy to do whatever we need to do to make it work,” Rachel explains.
Lessons from Wander Staffing
Wander Staffing’s lean and efficient model offers valuable lessons for any organization:
- Prioritize quality over quantity: Focus on fulfilling commitments with excellence rather than stretching resources too thin.
- Invest in scalable systems: Build processes that support sustainable growth without overwhelming your team.
- Empower your team: Foster a culture of trust and autonomy, enabling employees to take ownership of their roles.
- Plan with intention: Approach every opportunity with a clear plan to deliver, rather than simply aiming to win.
These principles have allowed Wander Staffing to punch above its weight, consistently delivering for clients and earning their trust.
Setting the Standard
At Wander Staffing, lean operations are more than a strategy—they’re a way of life. By staying focused, intentional, and proactive, the company has built a track record of success that sets it apart in the competitive world of government staffing.
Whether you’re a potential client or a job seeker, Wander Staffing’s approach demonstrates that operating lean isn’t about doing less—it’s about doing more with purpose.
Interested in learning how lean operations can transform your organization? Let’s start a conversation.