Why managing your Contingent Workforce is fundamental for business success

Published 29th January 2025

By: Anne Rutledge – Executive Director Talent Solutions

In today’s dynamic business environment, the contingent workforce—freelancers, contractors, temporary staff, and gig workers—has become a key lever of an organisation’s strategy. These workers offer flexibility, specialised skills, and bring cost-efficiency. However, managing them effectively is essential to fully channel their benefits while mitigating risks.

Key reasons why managing your contingent workforce should be a priority:

1. Enhanced Productivity and Efficiency

With proper management companies can align contingent workers with their organisational goals. Clear communication of expectations, well-defined roles, and effective onboarding will ensure seamless integration into your critical projects. Providing them with the necessary tools and resources maximizes their productivity which in turn brings success.

2. Cost Control

A poorly managed contingent workforce can lead to overspending through redundant hires, overpayment, or unexpected costs from not contracting correctly. Robust management helps monitor expenses, negotiate rates, and ensure compliance with labour laws to avoid costly penalties.

3. Access to Specialised Talent

Contingent workers bring niche skills and expertise. Effective management ensures that the right individuals are deployed for the right tasks, enhancing outcomes and furthers innovation.

4. Scalability and Flexibility

A well-managed contingent workforce provides the agility needed to scale operations in response to market demands. This flexibility keeps organisations competitive without the long-term overhead costs of permanent employees.

5. Improved Engagement and Retention

Though not permanent, engagement of contingent workers is vital. Clear communication, fair rates, and opportunities for feedback create a positive environment. Motivated workers deliver high-quality results and are more likely to re-engage and promote your company.

6. Data-Driven Decisions

Using technology to track supplier performance, costs, and compliance offers real-time insights. Vendor Management platforms enable data-driven decisions to optimise your contingent workforce.

Looking into the trends in Contingent Workforce Management there are key items that stand out and will further enhance your contingent workforce strategy.

  1. Increased Use of Technology: With the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced analytics organisations can increase the benefits of contingent workers. By implementing automated workflows via technology for onboarding, compliance, and supplier performance tracking can be streamlined, making contingent workforce management more efficient.
  2. Focus on Diversity and Inclusion: Businesses are emphasizing supplier diversity by engaging with small to medium enterprises (SMEs). This trend supports corporate social responsibility goals and creates inclusive workplaces. Your contingent workforce can contribute to your strategic procurement goals.
  3. Shift to Direct Sourcing Models: Companies are increasingly adopting direct sourcing strategies, building talent pools, and engaging workers directly through skills hiring platforms managed by your Contingent Workforce Management partner or MSP, reduces reliance on third-party staffing agencies and will save costs.

How a Managed Service Provider (MSP) Can Assist

An MSP specializes in managing contingent workforces, offering expertise and scalable solutions. Recent assessments, like the Everest Group PEAK Matrix, highlight how innovative MSPs have used technology and direct sourcing to drive cost efficiencies and compliance.

Resourgenix’s Contingent Workforce Solution or MSP collaborates closely with clients to implement rich data insights and reporting capabilities through interactive dashboards, enhancing visibility into workforce data. Resourgenix continues to invest in technology to further enhance and streamline cost management and ensuring compliance. Resourgenix’s partnerships with technology companies provides clients with a robust direct sourcing solutions that focusses on skills-based hiring using a curated talent community of the skills needed within the organisation. This Direct Sourcing solution provides the client with access to specialised skills that are vetted and ready to deploy to those critical projects.

The contingent workforce is an asset for businesses aiming to still be agile and competitive. Effective management of this key workforce group unlocks benefits whilst ensuring effective risk management and maximising efficiency. By incorporating the expertise of the MSP solution with Resourgenix and aligning with global trends, organisations can enhance contingent labour ensuring long-term success in a fast-changing market.

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