Finding the right person in a highly competitive market is an art form in its own right. And perhaps also a science, as human resources experts would point out. It is a vital element of any business undertaking.

Aleksandar Marinkovic, Managing Director of Hi-Care Services, knows this all too well, as the company was set up to specifically cater for matching personnel to employer needs.

With a background in nursing, he had initially planned to come to Malta for three months, but eventually settled down for much longer. During these eleven years, among others, he oversaw operations managing six fitness centres and was involved in other sectors.

Identifying a growing need, he established Hi-Care Services in 2019 , initially with a focus on cleaning services as demand for this service was particularly high. Soon, the company branched into the hospitality sector, mainly concerning catering, and continued to develop further. It currently services major companies in the manufacturing, health and construction industries among others.

Indeed, today, it provides cleaning services, handyman services, outsourcing and recruitment and is a one-stop-shop for all personnel and recruitment needs.

As a philosophy, Mr Marinkovic’s company seeks to cater for whatever the client requires in terms of personnel. Besides recruiting candidates from Malta, they also have agent operations based in three other European countries working solely for Hi-Care Services. That gives the company quite a lead when attracting the right individuals. The service also often calls for head-hunting individuals, especially for higher-skill requirements. With a network spread across other countries, one can immediately envisage how the pool is much larger and better equipped to find the right candidates for one’s business operations.

Hi-Care Services is growing. It is also venturing into offering services beyond Malta’s shores. A quick look at its online presence already gives you the feel of its ambition, with vacancies posted for positions also in faraway lands. Without divulging too many details, Mr Marinkovic gives a hint that there are more initiatives in the pipeline, and one should keep a lookout for the next announcements from the company. It is, however, safe to say that the prospects look good, with interesting markets identified, and that also attest to the agency’s foresight.  

Going back to its local operations, in 2021 its handyman service was launched, geared for both commercial and domestic environments.  Just as demand was identified for cleaning services, it quickly became evident that there is strong demand for this kind of assistance. Whether it’s electrical and plumbing works, plastering and painting or minor renovations in the house, Hi-Care Services claim to get it done “on-time and done right”.  And heaven knows how many things there are to fix at home. More so in a commercial setting, where outsourcing maintenance works presents as a feasible solution for many enterprises.

To select the right person, applicants with Hi-Care Services go through a set procedure. After discussing expectations with client companies, Hi-Care’s own officials conduct two interviews to short-list candidates. Those selected are then referred to the client for the final say.

Attitude, skillset and knowledge are major components of what Hi-Care Services is looking for when reaching out to identify contenders for a post. Admitting that no system is fool-proof, Mr Marinkovic underlines that the company places a lot of emphasis on ensuring that the right candidates are forwarded to clients. Hi-Care Services clearly states that “we thrive to exceed and anticipate expectations by consistently delivering exceptional service every time”. That is a reputation that the company constantly pursues to uphold.

Thanks to the substantial number of potential employees registered with its service, clients can expect to be referred candidates within a week. This timeframe is especially the case for vacancies that demand lower skills. Intrinsic to their operations, Hi-Care Services seeks to have a sufficient pool of individuals to cater well in advance for requests to have top-notch candidates and refer within the least time possible. That means that it keeps a continuous watch on developments in the employment market, also using technological tools to keep tabs on the various flows of supply and demand that invariably occur across various sectors.

The company also provides induction training, assisting clients in integrating new recruits into their operations. Various subjects are covered, including those leading one to obtain the food-handling licence, which is especially useful to the catering industry.

Mr Marinkovic notes that another benefit of partnering with Hi-Care Services is the possibility to ensure service provision, as business needs can continue to be met with as little disruption as possible. It also allows client companies to place a greater focus on their targets. With over 3,500 placements and a clientele of 250 companies, one can visualise the scale of operations involved and the track record that the company is attaining.

It is also a good incentive for prospective employees to highlight their willingness and register with Hi-Care Services. As at the time of writing, the company was seeking positions for a wide variety of services, including for nurses, an environment manager, HR executives, plant technicians, maintenance supervisors, chefs, carpenters, receptionists and many more. The list is endless and can be said to cover many positions across several industries. And these are the ones that the company was publicising. As with a large pool already at hand, the company can immediately identify candidates to suitable vacancies without resorting to further advertising.    

The company is focused on maintaining its path to continued growth, with Aleksandar Marinkovic placing importance on a steady, sustained rate of progress rather than moving too fast. His plans may have been very different eleven years ago when he first came to Malta. However, now with Hi-Care Services under his wings and continued prospects of a further expanding business, one can understand that his background has provided a good foundation on which to continue moving forward.