Categories: Recruiting Software Blog
Tags: contingent workforceindependent contractorstemporary workerstemp-to-hire
HR and the Contingent Workforce: Where Is It Going?
The gig economy, the human cloud, the 1099 workforce--whatever you want to call it, using contingent workers to create a work group or develop a product is here to stay.
Rapid workplace change and the rush to market leave many companies without the skilled workers needed to stay competitive. At all levels of education and experience, individuals working as freelancers, or as contractors, are available for hire--without training, long-term commitment, or benefits.
The pros and cons of the gig economy are still up for debate, but include:
For most companies considering contingent workers, Arun Srinivasan, senior vice president at SAP Fieldglass is on target when he states, "It affords companies access to pre-screened, pre-trained workers with niche skills, who can get to work quickly and stay on only for as long as they are needed. And, as a company's needs change, an external workforce can be scaled up or down quickly."
Tips for working with consultants
Part of the HR challenge in working with freelancers is modifying the recruiting and hiring process. Using social media, referrals, job boards, specialized associations, organizations, and outlets, you can broaden your reach when recruiting for a freelance position. Spend needed time to research the best online outlets for sourcing the type of consulting talent you need.
Just as with the regular recruiting process, your ATS offers significant efficiencies for parsing applications, and resumes. Engage potential consultants with the same care and consideration you would a future hire. Once you make a decision, keep these points in mind:
Contingent workers offer value and specialized skills. As workforce composition transforms with the gig economy, recruit for the level of skill your company needs. When you need the right tech solutions to support your search, talk to us at BrightMove.
About the Author, David Webb
David is the CEO of BrightMove and is a seasoned technology executive & entrepreneur noted for creating successful businesses. Over his 25+ year career, David has developed multi-platform expertise in the domains of computer science, data analytics & business transformation. Starting in 1995, David worked with his best friend, Jimmy Hurff, to develop one of the world's first Internet job board and resume bank applications. David is the primary architect of BrightMove and has an active role in the product's evolution to this day. From then to now, David has been consistently helping his customers to build great teams, using best practices and world-class technology.