The Weekly Independent: February 14, 2022

Being a successful independent contractor or a Client of Choice isn’t just about doing the best work or having the best perks. It also means staying one step ahead of the curve. That’s why each week we bring you The Weekly Independent, a quick-hit digest of news of note from around the web.

• A Digital Journal article cites MBO Partners’ 2021 Digital Nomad Research and Google Trends as it talks about the 42% growth in digital nomads in the US and the 1,000% increase of digital nomad requests for specialized support.
• Business Talent Group’s second annual Talent Lens survey reveals the top reasons why workers would want to go independent, which include the professional control to pick projects, the flexibility to work from anywhere, and the variety of work available in the independent market.
• An SHRM article explains that the current workforce disruption led to an interest in updating the skills taxonomy since it can allow organizations to sense the possible changes ahead. 
• Digital Payments in a Digital World Playbook, a research collaboration between PYMNTS and North Lane Technologies, shows that delayed payments can strain companies’ working relationships with independent contractors.
• Tom Vander Ark, the CEO of Getting Smart, discusses the current state of global entrepreneurship as applications for new business hit a record in 2021. 
• The dean of George Mason University’s School of Business, Maury Peiperl, predicts that the Great Resignation is just the beginning of a seismic shift and why organizations should shift to become purpose-driven.  
• Conversely, a new study by SHRM reveals that the recent movement in the job market reflects more of a Great Reshuffling than a Great Resignation.
• Companies are increasingly likely to turn to a fractional executive according to an Indianapolis Business Journal. 
• Jon Younger, a Forbes contributor, reviews how freelancing contributes to a better life for independent workers and its contribution to society as he enumerates five reasons why we need to create a National Freelancer’s Day.
• James McKay and Megan Anderson of ANZ explain the importance of Strategic Workforce Planning and how it can serve as a competitive advantage for organizations.
• SHRM encourages both businesses and workers to consider the legal issues surrounding social security, employment and immigration law, and taxation. 

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