The hiring market continues to flex, and filling open roles is an ongoing challenge. This is finding some choosing to reimagine their approach to talent management, according to a Talent Solutions report from 24|Seven. 88% of those surveyed said they have difficulty filling roles.
Tasked with a goal to reimagine the traditional staffing playbook, 76% have increased the use of freelancers, contractors or consultants, either often or occasionally. 59% rely on mixed-talent models, and 40% are partnering with talent and staffing agencies to source new talent.
Considering Contractors and Freelancers
Typical employers only look for hiring solutions in the form of a full-time role. Yet there are so many reasons why a contractor or freelancer is a smart hiring choice. One being contractors have the bandwidth where full-time employees often do not. When you consider the amount of time workers spend in meetings and on email correspondence, this leaves little time in the day for deep work, which creates a ripple effect throughout an organization.
In contrast, a contractor or freelancer can dedicate solid hours to bring a project to completion. These individuals often have a range of unique skill sets that can be applied across an organization and these skills play well across multiple industries.
Dispelling Myths
But many in hiring hesitate to consider contractors for fear that they will not have the ability to be a collaborator. In fact, it’s the opposite. Contractors and freelancers are known for hitting the ground running and getting up to speed quickly. They are well-versed in how to help a team in part because they must be flexible in their own roles. This gives them the ability to flex within a team, working within a group or individually.
Another myth is that they don’t work core hours and may not be good at time management. Let’s bust this myth, too. Contractors often collaborate with multiple clients and time management is essential. Some contractors have chosen flexibility over the benefits from a full-time role, and they understand if the work is not done or not done well, they will not be paid and will not be asked to contribute again. It’s in the contractor’s best interest to be organized, to be a team player and look for ways to contribute to an organization.
Broaden the Approach
Best of all, the soft skills contractors have are high on the wish list of employers. So, the next time you have a full-time employment position that you’re having difficulty filling, consider sourcing a contractor. These individuals keep their skills sharp and are proud to contribute, making it a win-win for all.
Staffing Kansas City provides employee placement services, specializing in office-support professionals, including, but not limited to, accounting, sales, marketing, administrative, reception, clerical and customer service.
