Hiring part-timers on the go; first-of-its-kind mobile app matches firms with part-time workers

SINGAPORE – Companies in the food and beverage (F&B) industry facing a manpower crunch can tap into a new mobile application, YY Part Time Jobs App, a first-of-its-kind digital platform to match part-time workers with potential employers.

The brainchild of HR industry professionals YY Hong Ye Group, the app currently has some 5,000 users – from its workforce database of 32,000 – and its clientele of over 50 firms includes Fullerton Hotel, Shangri-La Hotel, Regent Hotel, and McDonald's.

"Many organisations, from hotels to restaurants, and fast food chains, face the problem of getting the right help when it comes to hiring part-timers," said Mr Mike Fu, YY Hong Ye Group's chief executive officer (CEO).

"When they use our app, employers face fewer hiring-related hassles and have a lower turnover rate...companies can better manage their hiring budgets, as they can keep the minimum strength of full-time staff and engage part-timers whenever needed."

When there are new job listings, the app will automatically match and connect users who fit the listed criteria with employers. If there are no successful matches, employers can call the YY Hong Ye Group hotline to request for manual matching.

The app will also allow employers to specify job details such as working hours, and place of employment, as well as other criteria such as the skills required and years of working experience.

Registered part-time workers in their database – who are mostly aged between 16 to 25 years old – have to undergo a compulsory two-hour training session in personal grooming and F&B services at the company's Paya Lebar office when they sign up with the firm.

Mr Francis Ng, CEO of House of Seafood said the app will help alleviate his restaurant's manpower woes. He had previously posted advertisements in newspapers and job websites for part-time workers, but there were few takers.

"YY is convenient … Even on the weekends I can get many people applying for jobs within 24 hours," he said.

"As a restaurant operator this gives us a peace of mind as we don't have to employ human resource staff to manage this."

To guard against no-shows, Mr Fu said that employees will be subject to an automated rating system on the app that gauges punctuality via a check-in and check-out system.

"The system will give punctual users a good rating, and automatically gives them a higher chance of receiving (better) jobs during future applications," he added.

While the mobile app is currently only available to workers – employers use a desktop version of the app – it will be upgraded next month to allow clients to use the app on their mobile devices, said YY Hong Ye Group.