Innovation is requisite for successful competition. But even as enterprises recognize the need to innovate to stay relevant in continuously evolving markets, their intellectual capital is in danger of draining away due to factors like these:  Layoffs. Over 3,150 US companies announced layoffs in 2022. As of the first quarter of 2023, over 972 firms…

Not long ago, the term “freelance executive,” if heard of at all, was an oxymoron. While there have been interim and fractional CXOs in the marketplace for a long time, this talent takes temporary full-time or part-time roles to fill or backfill openings at the C-suite table. But the idea of a freelance executive? It’s…

This is the second in a five-part series discussing skills critical for future success.  Succeeding articles will cover creativity, communication, and entrepreneurship. A recalibration is taking place in the workforce as leaders are moving to skills-based organizations and artificial intelligence (AI) is slowly taking on some roles, either completely or as an adjunct to human…

Our research has revealed that enterprises engage highly compensated and in-demand skill sets for their contingent labor programs to address talent shortages and the inability to find full-time employees qualified for the roles being filled. Though financial considerations are a part of the reasons for engaging contingent labor, these five rated higher than cost in…

Achieving the business benefits of an effective direct sourcing program requires some adjustments within the enterprise in terms of how it relates to independent professionals. As this portion of the workforce continues to grow, its members—independent business owners as well as independent talent—are interested in more than pay rates. They want to grow their businesses,…

Generation Z is a hot topic among employers today. With its oldest members currently representing 15% of the workforce and the youngest just entering their tweens, the first digital-native generation is set to make big waves in business in the coming decades. Companies seeking the skills that Gen Z brings to the table are finding…

More and more, workers are leaving corporate America by choice. Rather than becoming independent due to job layoffs or other events, they choose independence for their lifestyles and life goals. It’s an intentional choice, and the number of people making it is accelerating. Company leaders across all business sectors are recognizing the need to shift…

In the last few years, a health pandemic, supply chain challenges, geopolitical risks, inflation, and social unrest disrupted our economy in ways we had not felt in nearly a century. In a business sense, these disruptions do not drive destruction, they drive innovation. To adapt to this environment, businesses need to adopt a dynamic approach.  …

American workers’ top three life goals are: Spending enough time with their family Leading a fulfilling life Getting the most out of life. More U.S. independent workers reported achieving these three goals than the overall U.S. workforce. More independents also reported achieving continued personal growth and helping others. In essence, independent professionals are living their…

While we may not as far as to call it a “war,” there is certainly very strong competition for talent across all industry sectors. Part of the driving force behind the optimized workforce—a blend of full-time and independent talent—is the need to access high-value and trusted skill sets on an ongoing, but not full-time, basis….

As the independent workforce continues to grow, so do the issues of worker compliance and misclassification. It is important for enterprises to remain informed about the latest laws, regulations, and developments surrounding these topics. Each month, we’ll bring you the latest news stories from around the web.  1. Federal Court says Federal Arbitration Act Preempts…

With the pace of change increasing across all business sectors and unexpected market events remaining within the realm of possibility, there are times when hiring independent talent—or a team of independents—makes the most sense. These times, in fact, seem to be increasing as enterprises seek the benefit of workforce optimization. Our 2022 Contingent Labor report…

Independent professionals have long recognized the benefits of teaming up to help grow their businesses. Our 2022 State of Independence report notes that this trend is strong in today’s workforce: Over the past year: 26% of Full-Time independents said they had teamed up with other independent workers or micro businesses, up from 19% in 2020…

The benefits of a direct sourcing program to engage independent professionals can be compelling for an enterprise. Among the pluses, the ability to engage contractors without going through a third party can save costs and improve talent quality. Maintenance of a talent network of independent professionals can improve the re-engagement of high-value talent and minimize…