To attract skilled talent, businesses are reconsidering traditional workforce models that rely on permanent full-time employees. They’re finding that a blended workforce, including seasonal, temporary, and part-time workers, along with contractors and freelancers, can expand their reach and agility.  

A blended workforce offers strong advantages to businesses that find the right mix

The shift toward contract labor is already underway. According to the Contingent Labor Imperative Report, the average contingent (non-permanent) labor share of enterprise workforces is expected to increase from 28% today to 33% in 18 months and 36% in five years. The report also notes that most organizations’ share of skilled contingent labor is substantial. 

Businesses recognize the blended workforce model helps them meet temporary workload needs, increases productivity, provides a reliable solution for completing tasks, and keeps costs down. Most importantly, through a contract-based model, businesses can access specialized skills and hard-to-hire talent, nationwide. 

Businesses that adapt to new work styles will be future-ready

The need for skilled IT professionals is at an all-time high due to an unprecedented, transformational investment in tech to meet digitization trends. Businesses have relied more on contract labor solutions to meet this demand.

The stress for companies is real. Data from research and advisory firm IHL Group demonstrates that IT spend as a factor of revenue has increased by 40 to 50% since 2019. Additionally, there is an increased need for on-demand qualified/skilled IT field service personnel, available across locations, often simultaneously, and these demands are often geographically spread. For example, the financial services industry is under pressure to maintain high-security standards. As a bank updates security, it may need to upgrade hardware at each branch location nationally, at roughly the same time. This presents an ideal situation for hiring IT field service contractors who are up to the task. 

Labor platforms help hiring managers find and build new connections with contractors

The need for skilled independent IT field service contractors will continue to increase. Talent managers must broaden their reach to meet the demand. Platforms that connect companies with skilled contractors are becoming more valuable by offering an easily navigable space where hiring managers can search for professionals with specific skill sets in the markets where and when needed.   

For more information on how independent contracting is changing the field services landscape, download our full report on “The State of Independent Contracting in Field Services.”