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As business operations transform, executives and entrepreneurs are increasingly turning to an on-demand workforce that is simultaneously empowered by technology and drawn to goal-oriented projects.
Consider Upwork, which was released in 2020 Future of the workforce report It revealed that nearly 80% of hiring managers who approach freelancers feel confident about doing so. These appointments provide the desired expertise – on a project-by-project basis – that entrepreneurs need to scale their operations without incurring long-term overhead costs.
This new market model also enhances dynamism 79% of companies Agree that independent talent enables greater innovation. Perhaps most telling, 84% of hiring managers who use them feel more confident about adapting to future disruptions, compared to just 69% of those who rely solely on full-time employees.
By tapping into freelance marketplaces, entrepreneurs can amplify their employer brand, increasing capabilities and future-proofing organizations, even in the face of disruption. As approx 60% of hiring managers With our plans to increase engagement with freelancers over the next two years, now is the time for executives to realize their potential.
Related: Navigating the great reshuffle: Why your employer brand is key in recruiting talent
The job market continues to transform
After a season of massive hiring, we’re back to seeing layoffs and downsizing. Companies feel bloated – from Unused office space with high rent to massive staffing structures – and the focus has shifted to hiring only the most important jobs. This leaves a critical talent gap for complex projects and specialized tasks. Highly skilled and specialized freelancers can fill this void.
Some key benefits of involving them:
• Access to specialized experts: Platforms like Toptal and Guru provide access to elite professionals from leading Fortune 500 companies and innovative startups. Whether the need is for a machine learning specialist, a growth strategist, or a financial modeler, entrepreneurs can now build on-demand teams with specialized skill sets, enabling them to focus investment on projects with the highest strategic value.
• Enhance agility: Leading companies are increasingly “renting” skills by hiring independent experts to implement initiatives involving new technologies or while entering unfamiliar markets. With dedicated contributors available to fill knowledge gaps, owners can explore ideas that previously seemed unrealistic due to internal constraints – unleashing creativity and first-mover advantage.
• Stronger recruitment brand: Mixing full-time employees with project-based freelancers indicates a commitment to modernization and work-life balance. Offering both engaging work and flexibility will help attract exceptional candidates and help you compete with giant companies for top-tier talent.
Related: Can retirees thrive in the gig economy? Navigating a changing workforce
Tips for taking advantage of party talent
After exploring the forces reshaping work, executives may wonder how to effectively leverage freelancing platforms. After all, how do you know you’re getting your money’s worth if the employee isn’t physically present full-time?
• Clearly define projects: Hiring thrives when expectations and deadlines are set up front. Therefore, it is clear that there are detailed needs around deliverables, success metrics, skills required and expected time investments. Staying up front when it comes to communication and expectations will help avoid headaches, including delays.
• Building loyalty through talent: The best freelance professionals have choices regarding the projects they accept. Study their profiles to discern emotions and motivations. Provide interesting work, flexibility and strong communication to stimulate interest and improve results.
• Cooperation management: Providing consistent context, feedback, and guidance at every stage of the project, but also promoting autonomy, even while directing efforts toward strategic goals. A dynamic balance of these qualities leads to optimal results.
• Continue to expand your talent pool: Add certified freelancers to an internal database for recurring engagements, and notify talent of new initiatives for which their expertise will provide an advantage. Revealing additional ways freelancers can boost business and deepen the relationship.
Related: Fill your talent gap by sourcing candidates from the veteran community
The best platforms to connect with talent
Now comes the hard part: finding contractors who offer small packages of experience. There are a growing number of platforms, of course, but I’ve found that the following stand out as leaders:
Fiver: Ideal for executives looking for design, digital marketing, writing, video, and administrative support. Known for its affordability and ease of posting jobs. It benefits from a global talent pool as well.
Even work: A flexible platform that includes more than 150 skills. It’s used by everyone from small businesses to global enterprises. Strong in IT, development, design, finance and consulting.
Toptal: Focuses exclusively on the top 3% of talent. Best for expert software developers, designers, project managers and finance experts. All contributors are extensively vetted.
Contra: A growing independent platform that screens and connects both job candidates and recruiters. Best of all, he doesn’t take commission from projects.
Related: 3 strategies to improve your hiring process and find the best employees
The numbers speak for themselves: companies that employ independent professionals report greater confidence and competitiveness, as well as an ability to withstand disruption, yet outdated beliefs still cause hesitation among those keen to hire. With the support of these specialized collaborators, companies can explore new horizons that are not tied to a narrow, one-time vision of employment models.
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