growth of the contingent workforce

January 30, 2015

If we had to choose one word to sum up the HR strategy of many organizations today, then agile is perhaps the most appropriate.

With the global economic crisis of 2008 still fresh in the minds of many leaders, business agility remains a top priority for organizational growth and development.

This is most clearly demonstrated in workforce flexibility. All signs indicate the use of flexible labor is growing around the world. Our 2015 Talent Trends Survey indicates a significant portion of HR leaders increasingly leverage contingent and contracted labor to give their organizations the agility they seek. For instance, nearly half (46%) of respondents said they consider every type of labor (permanent, temporary, contractor and statement of work (SOW) consultants) when undertaking workforce planning. Many respondents indicated that a significant component of their workforce is contingent, with 31% saying more than 20% of their total workforce is employed on a contingent basis.

5 tips to growing your contingent workforce

 

    1. know the strategic value of contingent workers: How can you better leverage temporary talent to achieve your business goals? Identify opportunities to use this type of labor to give your business greater agility.
     

  2. implement a robust strategy: Get visibility over your contingent labor spend and suppliers, develop a consistent process for engaging flexible labor, and gain buy-in from hiring managers.
     
 

3. manage your risk: Understand the regulations associated with employing temporary
workers, and implement standardized processes and policies to reduce any non-compliant hiring practices.

     

  4. consider talent holistically: When undertaking workforce planning, take into consideration all modes of employment and labor types to give your organization a clear picture of the talent needed for your business.
     

  5. look externally for expert insight: Consider an outsourced solution to reduce risk and costs, enhance visibility, and assure compliance. Read our whitepaper on building a business case for a managed service program.
     

request the report > 

About the Randstad Sourceright 2015 Talent Trends Report:

Covering 25 of the most dynamic and pressing issues facing workers and employers right now, and the concerns they have for the future, our subject matter experts explore how these trends will affect organizations, and provide practical tips on how to cope with them.

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