Why Talent Platforms Are Seeing a Surge in Skilled Workers

The rise of independent workers is reshaping how businesses and workers connect, a trend highlighted year after year in MBO’s State of Independence report.

According to recent data from Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA), there has been a significant increase in the number of workers using talent platforms. 

So, what’s behind this rise? Let’s look at five key reasons why more workers are turning to talent platforms as the next step toward career success.

1. Workers Seek More Flexibility and Independence

One major reason workers are turning to talent platforms is the desire for more flexibility and control over their schedules. Traditional jobs often don’t offer the level of customization workers seek for both their careers and personal lives. 

Talent platforms provide the freedom to choose when, where, and how they work. In recent years, this became even more appealing as workers prioritize work-life balance and opportunities to align their work with personal goals. 

Through a talent platform, top independent talent can take on projects that fit their preferred workload and skill set, while also balancing family duties or personal interests. This level of control has made talent platforms popular among younger generations and mid-career professionals alike. 

See: 6 Ways Companies Can Build Better Relationships With Independent Talent 

2. Companies Embrace On-Demand Talent

Companies in various industries have increasingly turned to independent contractors to meet shifting market demands. Many rely on talent platforms to hire skilled workers for short-term or specialized projects. 

Using these platforms, companies can access a global talent pool, scale their workforce quickly, and fill skill gaps without long-term commitments. 

For example, during busy periods or for projects needing specialized skills, businesses can use talent platforms to hire workers quickly. The simple process and lower administrative burden make talent platforms a convenient solution for companies of all sizes. 

Learn More: How to Identify High-Value Independent Talent

3. Economic Uncertainty Drives Independent Work

Recent economic uncertainty has also played a major role in the rise of talent platform workers. With inflation and job market instability, many workers have looked for new ways to earn income. Talent platforms offered immediate work opportunities across various industries, becoming a lifeline for those facing layoffs or reduced hours. 

In particular, high-value talent laid off during uncertain times often turns to consulting through talent platforms, gaining financial stability while exploring new career options. 

This flexibility has made talent platforms especially valuable in today’s job market. According to MBO’s State of Independence Report, nearly one in five independent workers now earn over $100,000 annually, highlighting the growing economic opportunities in the independent workforce.

Explore: Building the Workforce of Tomorrow: Key Skills for the AI Era 

4. Technological Advances Improve Platform Usability

Advances in technology have made talent platforms more user-friendly and efficient for both workers and employers. These improvements have reduced barriers to entry and attracted more users. 

Key innovations include AI-driven matching algorithms that help connect workers with relevant opportunities, mobile-friendly apps that allow workers to manage profiles and payments on the go, and integrated payment systems that provide faster, secure payments. 

As talent platforms improved their technology, they attracted a wider range of professionals, even those who weren’t familiar with gig work. 

Check Out: What to Know Before Hiring Through a Talent Marketplace 

5. Changing Attitudes Toward Work and Careers

Cultural shifts have also contributed to the growth of talent platform workers. In recent years, many professionals have sought careers that match their personal values, creativity, or entrepreneurial goals. Traditional career paths no longer appeal as much, especially to Millennials and Gen Z. Talent platforms offer a way to experiment with different types of work and establish personal brands in competitive markets. 

Talent platforms also allow workers to find opportunities that align with their passions, such as a writer creating content for sustainable brands or a software developer working on cutting-edge tech projects. 

Additionally, 65% of full-time independents feel more secure in their careers compared to traditional employment, according to our State of Independence report. This shift highlights how talent platforms are not only offering flexibility but also helping workers build more fulfilling and stable career paths. 

Check Out: Benefits of Working With Independent Contractors Vs. Employees 

With nearly three decades of experience, MBO Partners helps organizations connect with the talent they need to succeed. Visit our Insights page for news and insights on topics such as AI, workforce planning, team skills development, and other emerging trends.