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Contingent Workforce

Shaping the Future of Work: Beeline and Upwork’s Omni-Channel Approach

Contingent WorkforceSolution ProvidersTechnology and Innovation by Christopher J. Dwyer on

For the past several years, the myriad options available to the contemporary hiring manager have pushed the boundaries of talent acquisition. Freelancer networks, talent marketplaces, vertical-specific talent communities, social media, and digital staffing outlets have provided businesses with a new range of diverse, highly-skilled, and top-tier talent. In fact, Ardent Partners and Future of Work Exchange research point to an 800% growth in adoption and utilization of these sources since 2018…positioning them as a must-have in the greater war for talent.

Around the time the Future of Work Exchange was launched back in 2021, we coined a phrase that accurately reflects this movement: omni-channel talent acquisition. Omni-channel talent acquisition revolves around the concept of enterprises being enabled with a variety of candidate sources that can be converged to drive real-time skills alignment, on-demand hiring, and enhanced visibility into deeper attributes of candidates. While traditional staffing suppliers are still a critical piece of the contingent workforce, the “omni-channel experience” represents a new era in which enterprises can expand their talent searches through the advent of innovation, direct sourcing automation, new candidate channels, and next-generation and AI-fueled technology.

News broke this morning of a partnership between Beeline, a market leader in Vendor Management System (VMS) technology, and Upwork, a fellow market leader that is considered the world’s largest talent and work marketplace.

At the outset, this type of partnership is not just another notch in the talent technology ecosystem for either organization, but rather a powerful union between two industry powerhouses of talent innovation. The Upwork and Beeline partnership represents the latest shift in omni-channel talent acquisition, as well as a progression in workforce management.

“Managing a contingent workforce, inclusive of independent talent, presents complexities and challenges that can strain even the most sophisticated processes. These challenges include navigating compliance with local and international labor laws, ensuring visibility into the entire hiring lifecycle, and maintaining consistent hiring quality and efficiency across various departments,” said Zoë Diamadi, general manager of enterprise at Upwork. “Upwork’s partnerships with VMS and MSP platforms, such as Beeline, create a holistic solution to these challenges. We have integrated the modern, technology-fueled experience of Upwork’s platform and the world-class, independent talent on Upwork with the advanced technologies and solutions of VMS and MSP platforms.”

Here’s what the partnership means for the industry:

  • It will optimize talent acquisition in a skills-based market. VMS has been a veritable “nexus” of extended workforce management for years, with ease-of-access to various channels of talent through staffing suppliers, private talent communities, and independent talent. The Beeline-Upwork integration will amp talent acquisition optimization to another level by providing contingent workforce programs with top-tier talent from the marketplace’s extensive network whilst enabling hiring managers with state-of-the-art, skills-centric candidate profiles and portfolios.
  • “Agile hiring” creates more efficiencies for HR, procurement, and talent acquisition. Combining the dynamic power of two end-to-end, market-leading workforce solutions translates into truly flexible and agile hiring for recruiters, hiring managers, and HR and talent acquisition leaders, not to mention the executives running extended workforce programs. The age of real-time talent acquisition is here and the Beeline-Upwork represents the ability to hire faster, better, and smarter, creating a wealth of efficiencies for business functions.
  • The partnership reinforces the strategic and technological advantages of omni-channel talent acquisition. As stated above, the Beeline-Upwork partnership is more than “digital staffing meets VMS.” The age of omni-channel talent acquisition is here and this union reflects both its strategic advantages (greater access to skilled talent, streamlined hiring, etc.) and technological advantages (skills-based hiring-fueled talent decisions, AI-enabled matching, end-to-end automation, etc.).

“Access to a large and diverse talent pool that is filled with candidates that hold a variety of skillsets is key to the success of any contingent workforce program,” said Brian Hoffmeyer, SVP of Market Strategies at Beeline. “I’m an Upwork user myself and I know first-hand how great their platform is. Those facts make me thrilled to launch this partnership, and, more importantly, excited about the benefits it will offer to our mutual clients.”

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Navigating the Current and Future State of Total Talent Management

Contingent WorkforceHRProcurementTalent Acquisition by Christopher J. Dwyer on

I’ve been in the Future of Work, talent acquisition, and workforce management arenas for nearly 18 years. Over that time, I’ve witnessed (as many of us have) two equally-devastating economic downturns, multiple waves of technological innovation, numerous hype cycles of various proportions, the continued evolution of talent management, and one worldwide pandemic that set off Future of Work-era accelerants that have shaped how we work today. Suffice to say, the last two decades have brought tremendous change to the greater world of work and talent.

Even though I identify as an “elder millennial” or “geriatric millennial,” I feel as if I’ve spent enough years in the business world to truly understand what is hype, what is theory, and, of course, what is reality.

The rest of this article is available by subscription only.

Introducing a New Subscription Model from the Future of Work Exchange.

To continue providing valuable insights and resources on the future of work and extended workforce management, we’re transitioning our site to a paid subscription model. While some posts will remain free, subscribing will grant you exclusive access to in-depth analysis, market research, expert interviews, and actionable strategies that will help improve your business. Solution providers and practitioners are invited to join today and gain a competitive edge by tracking the industry’s important innovations, emerging trends, and best practices.

Click here to learn more.

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Flextirement Delivers Workforce ROI

Business LeadershipContingent WorkforceDiversity and InclusionGeneral InsightsHRTalent by John Yuva on

When we talk about the Future of Work, it’s often in the context of how the workforce will adapt to changing technologies and enterprise dynamics. Much of the focus is on attracting, hiring, and then retaining the right candidates for the right roles from a tight and competitive talent pool. But what about the talent that’s been with the organization for several years, if not decades? It may be true that employees within this segment are closing in on exiting the workforce, but it doesn’t mean many are following this traditional trajectory. Quite the opposite. More senior workers are choosing “flextirement” as a preferred option over the immediate workforce withdrawal known as retirement.

Age Is Just a Number

This pivot brings benefits to both individuals and enterprises that can strengthen and support talent strategies.

The rest of this article is available by subscription only.

Introducing a New Subscription Model from the Future of Work Exchange.

To continue providing valuable insights and resources on the future of work and extended workforce management, we’re transitioning our site to a paid subscription model. While some posts will remain free, subscribing will grant you exclusive access to in-depth analysis, market research, expert interviews, and actionable strategies that will help improve your business. Solution providers and practitioners are invited to join today and gain a competitive edge by tracking the industry’s important innovations, emerging trends, and best practices.

Click here to learn more.

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Optimize Contingent Workforce Management Through AI

Business LeadershipContingent WorkforceGeneral InsightsTechnology and Innovation by John Yuva on

In today’s labor and economic climate, enterprises cannot afford to make poor hiring decisions. And with 47.5% of an organization’s workforce comprised of contingent workers, per Ardent Partners and Future of Work Exchange research, an extended worker hire is just as critical operationally as a permanent employee. The ramifications of a hiring mistake — whether it’s an extended or permanent role — can cost businesses 30 percent of the employee’s first-year earnings, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. However, artificial intelligence is now shaping the future of contingent workforce management (CWM) to help avoid those employment missteps.

CWM Optimization Through Artificial Intelligence

Through artificial intelligence, enterprises can harness the value of structured and unstructured data to streamline contingent workforce management decision-making. AI also opens the door to new user experiences to better attract, acquire, and retain top-performing talent and improve operational execution — all leading to cost savings. Using prescriptive analytics for CWM optimization is an evolving but critical piece of AI strategy. While artificial intelligence has existed for a decade or more, the wider scope of its capabilities is only now being utilized.

The rest of this article is available by subscription only.

Introducing a New Subscription Model from the Future of Work Exchange.

To continue providing valuable insights and resources on the future of work and extended workforce management, we’re transitioning our site to a paid subscription model. While some posts will remain free, subscribing will grant you exclusive access to in-depth analysis, market research, expert interviews, and actionable strategies that will help improve your business. Solution providers and practitioners are invited to join today and gain a competitive edge by tracking the industry’s important innovations, emerging trends, and best practices.

Click here to learn more.

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AI in Talent Acquisition Coming into Its Own

Business LeadershipContingent WorkforceGeneral InsightsHRSolution ProvidersTalentTalent AcquisitionTechnology and Innovation by John Yuva on

Artificial intelligence (AI) is omnipresent, impacting all businesses and industries. However, where AI is showing immense potential is in the greater world of work and talent — specifically, talent acquisition. Few technologies in history can affect everyone, but AI’s capabilities are doing just that whether you’re an HR leader, recruiter, business manager, employee, or job candidate. AI brings revolutionary and transformative change to the Future of Work. A rising tide of enrichment is here and here to stay.

Research from Ardent Partners and the Future of Work Exchange reveals that 80% of businesses expect to begin or increase their utilization of AI tools and technology through 2024. A staggering statistic. Thus, within the next four to six months, the vast majority of enterprises will be utilizing AI technology.

The Rising Tide of AI in Talent Acquisition

The impact of AI on business and its growing influence on talent acquisition was the topic of discussion during a recent Ardent Partners and Future of Work Exchange webinar featuring special guest Opptly, titled “The Rising Tide of AI in Talent Acquisition.”

Speakers Christopher Dwyer, managing director of Future of Work Exchange; Opptly’s Lori Hock, CEO, and Rebecca Valladares, head of operations, addressed how AI is changing the talent acquisition landscape. Dwyer shared that within the next 18 months, 74% of enterprises plan to leverage AI to improve the candidate experience. This is a sign of how much AI will play a critical role in attracting job candidates in the near future.

The following includes several key points shared during the webinar that show AI is not only here, but here to stay.

The rest of this article is available by subscription only.

Introducing a New Subscription Model from the Future of Work Exchange.

To continue providing valuable insights and resources on the future of work and extended workforce management, we’re transitioning our site to a paid subscription model. While some posts will remain free, subscribing will grant you exclusive access to in-depth analysis, market research, expert interviews, and actionable strategies that will help improve your business. Solution providers and practitioners are invited to join today and gain a competitive edge by tracking the industry’s important innovations, emerging trends, and best practices.

Click here to learn more.

read more

Flextirement Delivers Workforce ROI

Business LeadershipContingent WorkforceDiversity and InclusionGeneral InsightsHRTalent by John Yuva on

When we talk about the Future of Work, it’s often in the context of how the workforce will adapt to changing technologies and enterprise dynamics. Much of the focus is on attracting, hiring, and then retaining the right candidates for the right roles from a tight and competitive talent pool. But what about the talent that’s been with the organization for several years, if not decades? It may be true that employees within this segment are closing in on exiting the workforce, but it doesn’t mean many are following this traditional trajectory. Quite the opposite. More senior workers are choosing “flextirement” as a preferred option over the immediate workforce withdrawal known as retirement.

The rest of this article is available by subscription only.

Introducing a New Subscription Model from the Future of Work Exchange.

To continue providing valuable insights and resources on the future of work and extended workforce management, we’re transitioning our site to a paid subscription model. While some posts will remain free, subscribing will grant you exclusive access to in-depth analysis, market research, expert interviews, and actionable strategies that will help improve your business. Solution providers and practitioners are invited to join today and gain a competitive edge by tracking the industry’s important innovations, emerging trends, and best practices.

Click here to learn more.

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HR and Procurement Align for the Future of Work

Business LeadershipContingent WorkforceGeneral InsightsHRProcurementTalentTalent AcquisitionTechnology and Innovation by John Yuva on

It makes sense to assume that the ownership of Future of Work execution rests in the hands of HR executives. With much of the focus on total talent management and talent acquisition strategies, HR spearheads much of the decision-making in those areas. However, another business function also plays a critical role in the Future of Work paradigm — procurement. Shifts in global supply chain dynamics and the transition from cost- to value-based supplier management, means Chief Procurement Officers and their teams are well-positioned to support Future of Work initiatives.

Traditionally, procurement focused on cost savings in the supply base and was measured against those numbers annually. However, over time, CPOs realized the criticality of supplier relationships and the resulting innovations that enabled greater marketplace competitiveness. Rather than squeezing pennies from suppliers, the relationships evolved into collaborative, value-added partnerships.

With a value-based approach, procurement is positioned to lead and support various aspects of Future of Work strategies. Let’s look at what both procurement and HR core enterprise contributions entail, followed by how the two functions intersect to complement Future of Work initiatives.

The rest of this article is available by subscription only.

Introducing a New Subscription Model from the Future of Work Exchange.

To continue providing valuable insights and resources on the future of work and extended workforce management, we’re transitioning our site to a paid subscription model. While some posts will remain free, subscribing will grant you exclusive access to in-depth analysis, market research, expert interviews, and actionable strategies that will help improve your business. Solution providers and practitioners are invited to join today and gain a competitive edge by tracking the industry’s important innovations, emerging trends, and best practices.

Click here to learn more.

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Upwork Survey Identifies Fastest-Growing Skills

Business LeadershipContingent WorkforceGeneral InsightsSolution ProvidersTalentTechnology and Innovation by John Yuva on

The world of work is rapidly evolving as technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) shift how work gets done. Enterprises are turning to AI for transformative workplace results, leading to increases in upskilling and technology adoption within the contingent and permanent workforce. This opens the door for freelancers and contractors who meet the skills demand from organizations to leverage new technology for greater efficiencies and substantial insights.

Growth in Data Science & Analytics Category

What skills are needed now and in the future? Upwork, the world’s work marketplace connecting businesses with independent talent, released its report “In-Demand Skills 2024” highlighting the critical skills workers need across a variety of categories. The report revealed that Data Science & Analytics is one of the fastest-growing work categories as generative AI modeling and machine learning produce strong demand from businesses. Upwork revealed that the AI and machine learning subcategory on the company’s platform saw 70% year-over-year growth in the fourth quarter of 2023, as clients and independent professionals collaborate on today’s most cutting-edge projects.

The Upwork report identified several fastest-growing work categories and skill sets where contingent labor can deliver the greatest value. As the examples below illustrate, artificial intelligence and automation in general are heavily sought after for 2024 and beyond.

  • Data Science & Analytics — Top 3 Fastest-Growing Skills: Generative AI Modeling, Machine Learning, Data Analytics
  • Coding & Web Development — Top 3 Fastest-Growing Skills: Scripting & Automation, Database Development, and Web Design
  • Sales & Marketing — Top 3 Fastest-Growing Skills: Marketing Automation, Sales & Business Development, Email Marketing.

This year’s “In-Demand Skills” report noted several new skills emerging in the top 10, including medical and executive virtual assistance, as well as development & IT project management and digital marketing campaign management.

Skills-Based Hiring in the Age of Emerging Tech

With the demand for specific skills, organizations are turning more toward skills-based hiring to meet their workforce needs. According to Kelly Monahan, managing director of the Upwork Research Institute, “Every company is vying for the best talent and there remains huge demand for a broad range of skills across the Upwork marketplace as businesses big and small are finding solutions in the growing reservoir of skilled independent professionals,” she said.

“In 2024, emergent technologies like generative AI are having a major impact on the skills-based economy. Of course, business demand for these types of skills is increasing, but we’re also seeing a complementary impact, whereby AI technology is driving greater demand for all types of work across our marketplace,” Monahan added.

Growing Demand for AI Expertise

Monahan’s comments also align with the current influence of AI on the workforce. According to a report released by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) entitled, “Gen-AI: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Work,” nearly 40 percent of global employment is exposed to AI. As more solution providers integrate artificial intelligence into their offerings, that percentage is likely to increase. Enterprises are turning to AI to streamline business processes and automate tactical tasks that provide workers with more time for strategic planning.

This is good news for freelancers and contractors upskilling or with existing expertise in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analytics. According to Jacqueline DeStefano-Tangorra, an AI consultant on Upwork, “As technology rapidly changes and more specific expertise is needed, more and more businesses are coming to Upwork to find the solutions they need,” she said.

“Consequently, the demand for my skill set has never been higher. Upskilling and becoming an AI professional on Upwork has opened many doors. I get to work on interesting projects and I am a stronger partner for my clients as I’m more efficient, productive, and can deliver better outcomes,” DeStefano-Tangorra added.

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Announcing the “2024 VMS Technology Advisor” Report

Contingent WorkforceSolution ProvidersTechnology and Innovation by Christopher J. Dwyer on

Vendor Management System (VMS) platforms are considered the cornerstone of the workforce solutions market, delivering sophisticated and automated functionality that holistically oversee critical facets of contingent and extended workforce management. Integrated seamlessly with Managed Service Providers (MSPs) in many cases, the VMS model has firmly established itself as a mature and pivotal platform in the ever-advancing realm of workforce management technology.

While early VMS iterations primarily served as automated procurement tools for staffing suppliers, these platforms have metamorphosed into the central “nexus” dictating all aspects of contingent and extended workforce management. Contemporary VMS solutions not only harmonize effortlessly with the principles of the Future of Work movement but also showcase remarkable advancements in navigating the intricacies of the modern workforce. In today’s dynamic, globalized technology market, Vendor Management Systems play a decisive role in charting the course of the “extended workforce.” This term encapsulates the next evolutionary phase, and modern VMS platforms have made substantial leaps in aligning with this progressive paradigm.

Ardent Partners and the Future of Work Exchange are excited to announce the publication of the 2024 edition of its VMS Technology Advisor report, the market-leading guide designed to help procurement, HR, human capital, and talent acquisition executives navigate the complex and mature VMS solutions marketplace. The new report analyzes and assesses the primary VMS solution providers in the marketplace today and offers a variety of strengths, considerations, and market fits for each VMS platform evaluated as part of the rigorous research study.

For procurement, HR, and talent acquisition executives, and especially leaders tasked with managing extended and contingent workforce programs, this is the go-to guidebook for VMS solution selection. Access the report here.

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How Next-Generation VMS Platforms Fuel Agile Automation

Contingent WorkforceTechnology and Innovation by Christopher J. Dwyer on

In the initial wave of Vendor Management Systems (when these solutions were typically known as “eProcurement for staffing”), simple automation of core requisition and supplier management processes was enough to drive functional value to the procurement- or HR-led contingent workforce programs of that era. As the corporate world evolved, however, businesses realized that the sharp uptick in external talent utilization meant that these workers were becoming not just a bigger piece of the total workforce, but also a more critical one as well. Today, more high-priority projects are led and managed by extended workers than ever before and the percentage gap between FTEs and contingent talent continues to shrink.

In 2024, leading enterprises are diving headfirst into this new era of talent and work, having been:

The rest of this article is available by subscription only.

Introducing a New Subscription Model from the Future of Work Exchange.

To continue providing valuable insights and resources on the future of work and extended workforce management, we’re transitioning our site to a paid subscription model. While some posts will remain free, subscribing will grant you exclusive access to in-depth analysis, market research, expert interviews, and actionable strategies that will help improve your business. Solution providers and practitioners are invited to join today and gain a competitive edge by tracking the industry’s important innovations, emerging trends, and best practices.

Click here to learn more.

read more
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