6 benefits of using a flexible workforce

Freelance, contract and independent workers provide a flexible solution to these talent management challenges. It has given rise to the newly coined Platform Economy. The flexible workforce is here to stay.

Advances in technology have led to an increase in the number of platforms where you can just hire a freelancer or independent consultant.

This makes it easier to organise projects in flexible ways now that access to resources are not an issue.

If you adopt a more sophisticated approach to resourcing, one that integrates core internal teams with external talent brought in at specific points, on-demand, you’ll get a massive skill infusion.

Infusing talent into already capable and established teams, when needed, plays a vital role in ensuring sound competitive strategy.

Let’s further explore the benefits of a flexible workforce.

1. Rapidly respond to urgent talent needs

It is easy and quick to contract with an independent.

Since you are not making a long-term hiring commitment, there is no need to go through your lengthy HR selection process. Or even wait for notice periods to end.

You can make a fast selection with the assistance of an online marketplace and then kick your procurement process into gear.

2. Plug skills gaps

Over 50% of UK businesses, both big and small, already say they use external workers to access talent that would not be available on a permanent basis.

Good news is, there is no shortage of freelance specialists.

In the UK alone, the number of freelancers increased by 43% between 2008 and 2016.

The digital economy is making it easier than ever to find and connect with freelancers from anywhere in the world.

No matter what your business challenge is, whether to prepare a tender or draft a bonus scheme, there are independent professionals out there who can help. They can guide your team or do it on your behalf.

Just keep an open mind to tap into the flexible workforce.

3. Scalability

Freelancers provide a scalable yet highly ‘tactical elite force’. This would afford you bespoke resources to match your changing needs.

You know for a fact that you don’t need all of your current workforce for 260 days’ worth of work every year – but you’ve committed to them in full-time employment.

The flexible workforce available on the freelance market allows you to buy decades of experience by the hour, day, week or month. That’s what we refer to as ‘on-demand’ or simply ‘as and when needed’.

4. Agility related to rapid change

Almost 2/3 of companies say that freelancers help them to be more agile.

They enable start-up, growth and change by helping to solve problems, improve efficiency and drive innovation.

5. Diversity as a source of innovation

Engaging independent freelance specialists allows you to tap into independent free thinkers. Those are unencumbered by internal company dynamics, thus allowing you varied perspectives to adapt to volatile and uncertain circumstances.

There’s a reason we call them a flexible workforce – they dip in and out without plunging into internal company dynamics.

Even if you have not yet finalised the skills you need for a project, you could engage several specialists for shorter periods to provide different perspectives on a particular challenge.

With on-demand talent, you are not tied into long-term commitment. You can book as much or as little of a consultant’s time as your budget allows.

As objective outsiders, freelance consultants are frequently the people who ask the awkward questions. They demand smarter answers and inspire breakthrough solutions.

Diversity fosters innovation!

6. Avoid business interruption

Freelancers love what they do and are generally not interested in climbing the ladder. They have a strong motivation to deliver results so they can get repeat business.

This means they can be some of your most loyal brand ambassadors. They are as well the ones who are still around to facilitate a transfer of knowledge from one internal manager to the next.