4 Ways to Build Long Term Relationships with Contingent Workers

By MBO Partners | July 15, 2022

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Key Points

A long-term workforce optimization strategy must include the development of long-term partnerships with contingent workers.

Many organizations are allowing for remote working arrangements and as reopening continues.

A positive work environment also allows independents to work the way they want.

Building long-term relationships with contingent workers is a key component of a long-term workforce optimization strategy.

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused many changes and adaptations to the way we work. Many organizations are allowing for remote working arrangements and as reopening continues, companies are adjusting how they manage their workforces moving forward. Companies that already rely on independent talent as an integral part of their workforce are likely reaping the rewards this flexible, remote, and skills-driven talent pool provides. Those who aren’t yet engaging independent talent may consider doing so in order to be successful in this new work environment.

But simply choosing to incorporate independent talent is not a long-term strategy. In order to attract and retain top independent talent, enterprises must understand what independents are looking for in a client-contractor relationship and make adjustments to build a community where they feel valued. Below are three ways enterprise managers can build a lasting community of independent talent.

1. Meet Contingent Workers on Their Own Terms

The majority of independent professionals—89%—say they have some or a lot of choice in picking the clients they work with. What are they looking for? The opportunities, processes, environment, and sense of community clients offer. Actively creating a positive work environment where independent professionals are trusted and treated respectfully will go far in making your company a top choice for skilled talent.

A positive work environment also allows independents to work the way they want. It is very important to independents that their work is valued, that they have flexibility in how they work, and that they have the opportunity to learn and build new skills.

2. Streamline the Engagement Process

A fast and efficient onboarding process benefits both talent and managers. Technology today automates many onboarding steps and limits time-consuming paperwork. Platforms like MBO’s can help match independent talent with available projects, inform them about the policies and procedures involved with working at your company, and lead them through initial self-assessment surveys to ensure the engagement meets compliance standards.

Once you’ve engaged an independent contractor, communication becomes key to a lasting work relationship—more than 84% of independents say responsiveness a company’s ability to listen to and act on feedback is important. Define project goals and objectives before starting work. Discuss goals, performance objectives, and project milestones. Clear communication from the start is key to building trust and preventing future misunderstandings.

3. Re-engage Top Talent

Re-engaging independent professionals who have already worked with your company is a no-brainer. First, it’s easier to match talent to a new project if they have already proven their expertise. They are aware of expectations, have established a good communication flow, and have likely met key project stakeholders.

Second, if managers have already taken the time to check references and review past work, re-engaging known talent can save them valuable hours spent searching for someone new who has a similar background or skillset. Third, re-engaged talent have already completed major onboarding tasks. While not all procedures can be bypassed for a new project, it is faster and easier for managers to help talent get to work if they already have initial documentation on file.

Building your own community of vetted and established professionals gives managers a network of reliable talent that they can tap into at a moment’s notice. As talent demands shift in today’s fast-changing work environment, the organizations that can rapidly evolve with these changes by developing a lean talent acquisition strategy that prioritizes the needs of independent talent will be those that survive and thrive.

4. Be Up Front About Your Goals

Being open and honest with your contractors is a fantastic method to make sure they are competent and want to work for you in the future. What you need, ask for. Say that if you’re merely looking for someone to fill temporary employment. Say that as well if the project you’re considering could take a few weeks or months. Clearly stating what you’re seeking at this time is the finest method to draw in the correct kind of talent.

To learn more about what enterprises can do to attract and engage top independent talent, check out our latest Client of Choice research.

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