Direct Sourcing Archives - The Future of Work Exchange

Part Two: Procurement 2025: BIG Trends and Predictions — A Future of Work Perspective

Contingent Workforce Direct Sourcing General Insights Talent Acquisition Technology and Innovation by John Yuva on 04/10/2025

Did you miss Ardent Partners’ recent webinar, Procurement 2025: BIG Trends and Predictions, that delivered a series of insightful predictions designed to help procurement teams in all industries and regions focus on and prepare for what is important while remaining proactive and agile?

The session featured Ardent Partners’ Founder and Chief Research Officer, Andrew Bartolini, and Senior Vice President of Research, Christopher Dwyer, as well as experts from Ivalua and Beeline, as they explored trends and predictions that procurement teams in all sectors and regions can leverage to better prepare and strategize for what lies ahead in 2025.

As part of the webcast, Christopher Dwyer spoke about the trends and predictions within the Future of Work space.

In this two-part series, we provide some webcast highlights of that discussion and a link to the full event.

The Role of Data in Supplier Management and AI Transformation

With the increased focus on supplier management, the role of data has become more crucial than ever. Organizations are leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to improve risk management, supplier performance, and overall procurement efficiency. However, AI is only as effective as the data it processes. A fundamental challenge that persists in supplier data management is the inconsistency and fragmentation of data across multiple systems. Organizations must prioritize creating a consolidated and accurate data foundation to maximize AI’s potential in supplier management.

The rest of this article is available by subscription only.

Introducing a New Subscription Model

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.

Part One: Procurement 2025: BIG Trends and Predictions — A Future of Work Perspective

Contingent Workforce Direct Sourcing General Insights Talent Acquisition Technology and Innovation by John Yuva on 04/03/2025

As part of the webcast, Christopher Dwyer spoke about the trends and predictions within the Future of Work space.

In this two-part series, we provide some webcast highlights of that discussion and a link to the full event.

Driving Forces in the Future of Work

The Future of Work is undergoing a transformative shift, driven by three major forces: the evolution of talent engagement, the advent of new technology, and a shift in business thinking. As organizations navigate this rapidly changing landscape, several key trends and predictions are emerging that will define workforce strategies in the years ahead.

The rest of this article is available by subscription only.

Introducing a New Subscription Model

Click here to learn more.

2025 Future of Work Trends and the Role of the MSP

Contingent Workforce Direct Sourcing Events Solution Providers Technology and Innovation by Christopher J. Dwyer on 03/25/2025

Last week, I had the pleasure of joining Atrium and their Chief Revenue Officer, Brad Martin, for an exclusive webcast that not only focused on the trends that will shape the Future of Work and extended workforce in 2025, but also unveiled an “MSP playbook” for those enterprises currently leveraging Managed Service Provider offerings or those businesses seeking their next workforce solution. Check out an on-demand recording of the webinar below.

Optimize Your CWM Strategy with AI

Contingent Workforce Direct Sourcing Solution Providers Talent Talent Acquisition Technology and Innovation by John Yuva on 02/20/2025

Artificial intelligence is becoming a permanent fixture as part of today’s enterprise operations and talent management approaches, serving as an essential technology for contingent workforce management (CWM) strategies that streamline candidate pairings with operational needs while increasing transparency of available skillsets and workforce contributions. Whether shoring up talent gaps or scaling needs, AI provides external workforce insights invaluable to HR and recruitment professionals and business leaders. The evolution of artificial intelligence will mean the emergence of more CWM opportunities.

Enterprises and HR executives who are not at least exploring the possibilities of AI’s impact on CWM will find themselves at a competitive disadvantage when sourcing talent and executing extended workforce strategies. Beeline stated that the “effects of AI in extended workforce management are just beginning and can be seen shaping how jobs are described, how candidates are evaluated, and how contracts are written. AI will soon be employed for more strategic outcomes like workforce planning, workforce optimization, and total workforce management.”

AI Paves Several Paths for CWM

The rest of this article is available by subscription only.

Introducing a New Subscription Model

Click here to learn more.

Reimagining Contingent Workforce Management: A Strategic Imperative for 2025

Contingent Workforce Direct Sourcing HR Solution Providers Talent Acquisition by Christopher J. Dwyer on 02/03/2025

If I ever want to show my age, all I need to say is this:

I’ve been in the contingent workforce and HR tech space for nearly 20 years.

Now, like most of the folks in our amazing industry, I got here by accident. While I love the CWM space and the many, many friends I’ve made along the way, I didn’t set out to be an in analyst in this arena when I was college. (No, I aspired to be a journalist, a conversation for another day…)

So, I say this seeing so many market-shifting events, including the “perfect storm” of the contingent workforce’s growth spike in 2008-2009, a “reawakening” during the pandemic, and today’s AI-driven, skills-based hiring arena:

The CW programs of today aren’t built for tomorrow….

The rest of this article is available by subscription only.

Introducing a New Subscription Model

Click here to learn more.

thods within extended workforce management.

The New Reality of Total Talent Management

Contingent Workforce Direct Sourcing Solution Providers Talent Acquisition Technology and Innovation by Christopher J. Dwyer on 01/27/2025

Before you begin to scream, give me a few minutes here. I promise it’s worth it.

There are several phrases that send our industry into huffy-puffy overdrive and cause undue stress. However, no concept, idea, phrase, or whatever draws more scrutiny and frustration than “total talent management.”

Way back in 2012 (which seems like forever ago), I co-authored the industry’s very first paper on total talent management. Back then, with wide eyes and a dreamy attitude, I concluded that “total talent management should not just be a pipe dream for enterprises, but rather an accepted future state that will eventually become the foundation of all recruitment and talent acquisition strategies.”

Yeah, that “eventually” in there…let’s ignore it for a second.

Back then, the extended workforce comprised, on average, 25% of the average company’s total talent pool. Back then, solutions like RPO, MSP, VMS, etc. weren’t evolving or innovating as quickly as they are today. And, back then, we weren’t awash in new and exciting talent acquisition strategies (like skills-based hiring) that are representative of the changing times of a post-pandemic labor market.

So, flash-forward to 2025.

The rest of this article is available by subscription only.

Introducing a New Subscription Model

Click here to learn more.

The 2025 MSP Playbook, Part I

Contingent Workforce Direct Sourcing Events by Christopher J. Dwyer on 01/21/2025

Just last week, I had the opportunity to join Atrium and their Chief Revenue Officer, Brad Martin, for an exclusive webcast focused not only on the 2025 trends that will shape the Future of Work, but also the impact of the Managed Service Provider (MSP) model on those areas in the months ahead. Today’s article is the first of a two-part series that will recap Brad and I’s discussion.

The “Strategic” Contingent Workforce Program: A Major Priority for 2025

Nearly 65% of organizations (as discovered by Ardent Partners and Future of Work Exchange research) state that they plan to develop a more strategic foundation around their contingent workforce programs in 2025. As the extended workforce marches to its 50% threshold (49.7% of the average organization’s total workforce is now considered non-employee), it is critical that businesses take a more deliberate pathway towards managing this type of talent in lieu of leveraging traditional, archaic, and “tactical” approaches that undermine the greater impact of the contingent workforce.

The rest of this article is available by subscription only.

Introducing a New Subscription Model

Click here to learn more.

What’s Your 2025 MSP Strategy?

Contingent Workforce Direct Sourcing General Insights by Christopher J. Dwyer on 01/06/2025

Managed Service Providers (MSP) have long been an extended workforce management powerhouse. The MSP model has long been a cornerstone of contingent workforce management, offering comprehensive solutions for businesses seeking to outsource their staffing operations. However, as the enterprise workforce landscape has undergone significant transformations in recent years, MSPs have evolved to meet these new challenges head-on. Over the past three decades, MSPs have established themselves as the premier and most established solution in the workforce technology and services market.

This begs the question: how are the major trends heading into 2025, such as direct sourcing, AI, and skills-based hiring, for example, changing how businesses leverage MSPs? What goes into an official “playbook” for optimizing utilization of an MSP model?

Ardent Partners and the Future of Work Exchange have teamed up with Atrium for an exclusive webcast focused on major 2025 headwinds within the staffing, HR, contingent workforce, and talent acquisition markets and their impact on the Managed Service Provider model.

I’m thrilled to join Atrium’s Chief Revenue Officer, Brad Martin, for an engaging event that will highlight:

The digitization of talent management. Leveraging AI-driven analytics, automated workflows, and integrated platforms to create a more responsive and intelligent workforce program.
Strategic program design. Building flexible, tailored MSP solutions that align with an organization’s culture, industry challenges, and growth objectives.
The next-generation talent initiative. Creating measurable pathways to expand and broaden talent channels, eliminate bias in selection processes, and foster inclusive contingent workforce programs.
Reimagining the value of the MSP. Balancing cost efficiency with quality outcomes through data-driven decision making, strategic sourcing, and enhanced supplier partnerships, and;
The link between MSPs and the Future of Work. How do MSPs support Future of Work-driven strategies, such as direct sourcing and skills-based hiring?

Click here or on the image below to register. See you then!

Future of Work 2025: Predictions for the Year Ahead (Part III)

Contingent Workforce Direct Sourcing Solution Providers Talent Acquisition Technology and Innovation by Christopher J. Dwyer on 12/20/2024

2024 was another watershed year for the world of work and talent…and 2025 promises to be another transformational period in business history. Ardent Partners and the Future of Work Exchange are excited to unveil a series of predictions over the next few weeks from industry thought leaders.

“In 2025, mid-market companies will increasingly rely on their external workforce to achieve their objectives. This will be the catalyst for staffing’s rebound, with these organizations embracing technology to automate and streamline their processes. For these mid-market companies, speed-to-value is paramount, driving them toward comprehensive technology solutions that offer modern, user-friendly interfaces, and simplified implementation.”

– David Barthel, SVP, Global Sales, Beeline

“We’re going to see a demand increase in skilled labor in the early part of 2025. Industries like manufacturing, LI, and similar verticals are going to peak shortly (some have already have due to seasonal attributes). For IT, engineering, and professional skills, we may not see demand increase until the dust settles on a new presidential administration…possibly in Q3 2025.

The rest of this article is available by subscription only.

Introducing a New Subscription Model

Click here to learn more.

Future of Work 2025: Predictions for the Year Ahead (Part II)

Contingent Workforce Direct Sourcing Solution Providers Talent Acquisition Technology and Innovation by Christopher J. Dwyer on 12/18/2024

“2025 is a year of growth and transition. We will see a seamless integration of technology and human potential as the workforce continues to evolve with the advances in AI.”

– Janette Marx, CEO, Airswift

“Gone are the days of operationally-led MSPs; in 2025, there will be even more of an expectation of “self-service” from enterprises. MSPs will not survive without next-generation technology that can enable self-serve, omni-channel talent acquisition and talent management approaches. This will be critical as skills-based hiring becomes more of a focus for business leaders in 2025. There will be a need for the convergence of self-service functionality, Best-in-Class platforming, and modernized talent community/talent-pooling development.”

– Tammy Browning, SVP and President, KellyOCG

“Clients will start demanding the highest levels of service. They are looking for partners who are in the service business that happens to be technology-enabled. Companies with exemplary service offerings will win!”

– Denise Stalker, SVP, Managed Services, TalentProcure

“I believe in 2025 we are going to see the rapid development of AI coupled with more concrete regulation. I think we can all agree that AI is going to be pivotal in the human capital space and that the hesitancy around adoption because of the unknown will continue to diminish as we understand more about how AI works. I look forward to exploring AI in the extended workforce and will also be interested to see how regulations will come to follow.

Often times with uncertainty we see a rise in extended workforce utilization, but what that looks like I predict will be different than previous years. While, yes, there will likely be an increase in your traditional staff augmentation there will also be increased utilization of outsourced organizations through services procurement as well as increased utilization of talent platforms. This will create challenges in getting a full read of your extended workforce unless you make a conscious effort to consolidate your workforce data into one system.”

– Taylor Ramchandani, VP of Strategy, VectorVMS

“2024 was the year of resilience, and in 2025, the U.S. staffing industry is expected to continue its transformation, driven by technological advancements, changing workforce expectations, and macroeconomic factors. Temporary staffing will likely see a rise in demand due to ongoing flexibility in employment patterns across sectors such as healthcare, IT, and logistics. The healthcare sector, in particular, may experience significant growth, spurred by aging demographics and an ongoing demand for skilled healthcare professionals. Similarly, the IT sector will likely fuel demand for temporary talent to address project-based needs in emerging technologies like AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity.

Permanent placement and direct-hire services are expected to grow with the rise of hybrid and remote work models, employers may focus on sourcing highly-skilled, geographically-diverse talent. Additionally, executive search is projected to grow as companies prioritize leadership with expertise in navigating digital transformation and sustainability challenges.

One area where we can continue to experience significant growth is the Gig Economy and freelance staffing platforms, using AI-driven platforms to connect employers with niche talent pools, particularly in creative, IT, and technical roles. These trends suggest staffing organizations will thrive if they’re increasingly specialized, technology-driven, and aligned with the needs of a flexible, skills-oriented workforce.”

– Greg Iannuzzi, Director of Client Solutions, Ceipal