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The FOWX Fifteen: Opptly

Direct Sourcing Solution Providers Talent Acquisition Technology and Innovation by Christopher J. Dwyer on 11/22/2024

The FOWX Fifteen is an exclusive series at the Future of Work Exchange that highlights the industry’s innovative and disruptive platforms, solutions, and offerings that are driving the Future of Work movement. These providers are actively pushing talent technology innovation and ushering in a new, digital era of workforce management, staffing, and talent acquisition.

The Background

Quick…name the most electrifying word in today’s business landscape. I’ll give you 10 seconds. Wait, you didn’t even need 10 seconds, did you?

“Artificial intelligence” rolls off your tongue faster than a machine learning algorithm processes data..and for good reason: AI has become the cornerstone of innovation, seamlessly weaving through enterprise ecosystems – from the intricate networks of IT and analytics to the strategic realms of finance and talent acquisition.

Recent groundbreaking research from Ardent Partners and Future of Work Exchange reveals a transformative landscape: an overwhelming 82% of businesses entered 2024 with a strategic mandate to amplify their artificial intelligence capabilities. Even more revealing? Among HR and talent acquisition leaders, that number skyrockets to nearly 95% – a clear signal of a profound technological revolution.

This isn’t just about technological adoption, though; it’s about a fundamental reimagination of talent strategy. AI represents more than a tool – it’s a strategic accelerant that empowers talent leaders to transcend traditional boundaries. By harnessing next-generation analytics, organizations can now dynamically map, find, and engage talent, while simultaneously building robust, forward-looking skills taxonomies that don’t just predict the Future of Work – they actively shape it.

Enter Opptly.

Why They Were Selected

Opptly’s core offerings revolve around progressive functionality within direct sourcing, candidate engagement, skills-based hiring, and skills taxonomy development. However, the platform is so much more than the sum of these attributes, as the solution is a true “people technology” that is actively blazing a path forward within the Future of Work movement.

The proprietary and future-leaning artificial intelligence-driven technology within the Opptly platform represents the veritable future of AI in talent acquisition. Opptly’s advanced AI offerings seamlessly match the best talent with mission-critical opportunities by analyzing deep professional insights, skills, expertise, and project requirements in real-time, all while factoring in progressive candidate elements such as culture, diversity, etc.

Through sophisticated machine learning algorithms and NLP-augmented functionality, Opptly optimizes the entire talent lifecycle – from sourcing and vetting to engagement and project success – delivering unparalleled efficiency and precision in the direct sourcing, talent acquisition, and workforce management ecosystems.

In Their Own Words

“Opptly is proud to be included amongst other Best-in-Class platforms and solutions in the talent technology arena. This accolade is a testament to our unwavering commitment to truly unbiased artificial intelligence that can revolutionize the ways businesses find, engage, and manage their total talent. Opptly represents the future of hiring – where cutting-edge technology meets human potential, creating a seamless, intelligent, and equitable dynamic that transforms how organizations and talent connect, collaborate, and succeed.” – Lori Hock, CEO of Opptly

The Outlook

Simply put, Opptly is a pure technological representation of the Future of Work movement: next-generation functionality, AI-fueled talent innovation, and cutting-edge, skills-based hiring offerings that are actively revolutionizing the ways businesses address how work is done. As artificial intelligence continues to dominate talent acquisition strategies, Opptly and its progressive AI sophistication will continue to help enterprises dynamically adapt to modern workforce trends, seamlessly match top-tier talent with critical opportunities, transform their talent strategies, and provide an intelligent and infinitely scalable competitive advantage.

Artificial Intelligence Mitigates Unconscious Bias in Hiring

Business Leadership Diversity and Inclusion General Insights HR Talent Talent Acquisition Technology and Innovation by John Yuva on 10/31/2024

Today’s remote and hybid workplaces means access to a diverse and globally connected talent pool — one where the importance of equity and inclusion is stronger than ever. Standing in the way, however, are traditional hiring processes, coupled with ongoing controversies surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives that can enable rather than reduce the influence of unconscious biases in talent decision-making. The answer to overcoming these challenges and improving equity in hiring may lie in artificial intelligence (AI). AI tools can introduce impartiality into talent decisions and processes, mitigating the effects of unconscious bias.

Unconscious Bias Lives in Us All

To quell unconscious bias, one must understand it first to later recognize its presence. The University of California San Francisco (UCSF) defines unconscious biases as “social stereotypes about certain groups of people that individuals form outside their own conscious awareness. Everyone holds unconscious beliefs about various social and identity groups, and these biases stem from one’s tendency to organize social worlds by categorizing.” Unconscious biases include affinity bias, confirmation bias, conformity bias, and gender bias.

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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.

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Direct Sourcing Gains an Assist with Chatbots

Business Leadership Contingent Workforce Direct Sourcing General Insights HR Talent Acquisition Technology and Innovation by John Yuva on 10/24/2024

The dial on artificial intelligence (AI) has been turned up to such a degree that anyone can now experiment with the technology. AI tools from ChatGTP to Lensa are putting the power of AI into the hands of everyday folks — with stunning results. While the consumer side of AI continues to gain attention, it’s important not to overlook the applicability and possibility of the technology for direct sourcing and extended workforce needs.

Today, there are several providers of AI-based tools for optimizing the direct sourcing of extended workers. One of the most recognizable and popular tools is chatbots. This technology has evolved significantly over the years from a more scripted application to one of conversational AI realization. Through developments in natural language processing, users have a difficult time recognizing whether it’s a human or a bot they’re interacting with.

How are chatbots contributing to efficiencies in direct sourcing efforts? It’s occurring in several ways, allowing HR, business managers, and recruiters to focus on more strategic aspects of total talent management initiatives.

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The Future of Work Exchange Podcast, Episode 801: Direct Sourcing Panel Discussion With Beeline, Opptly, Raise, and Talent Solutions TAPFIN

Direct Sourcing Podcast by Christopher J. Dwyer on 10/03/2024

Season Eight of the Future of Work Exchange Podcast kicks off with a dynamic panel discussion on direct sourcing. Rebecca Valladares (Opptly), Brian Hoffmeyer (Beeline), Tim Rhodes (Raise), and Matthew McCartney Waggle (Talent Solutions TAPFIN) join me to discuss the state of direct sourcing, AI’s impact on hiring and recruitment, the future of direct sourcing programs, how skills-based hiring will reshape talent acquisition, and more. Tune in!

Artificial Intelligence, Contingent Workforce Management, and the Future of Work (On-Demand Webinar)

Contingent Workforce Direct Sourcing Talent Acquisition Technology and Innovation Video by Christopher J. Dwyer on 08/30/2024

Earlier this week, Ardent Partners and the Future of Work Exchange hosted an exclusive webcast focused on AI-powered contingent workforce management and its impact within the Future of Work movement. I was joined by Opptly’s Lori Hock (CEO), Beeline’s Colleen Tiner (Chief Product Officer), and NLP Logix’s Matt Berseth (CIO, co-founder) to discuss a wide range of hot topics under the artificial intelligence umbrella, including:

The true adoption and utilization of artificial intelligence within today’s extended workforce programs, hiring strategies, and talent acquisition initiatives.
The link between AI and skills-based hiring.
How businesses can move from an “education phase” to “adoption phase” for their AI initiatives.
How AI can supercharge and optimize direct sourcing strategies.
Why AI-fueled skills taxonomies are the foundation of a skills-based hiring approach.

Check out an on-demand replay of the webinar below.

How Direct Sourcing Drives Talent Sustainability

Direct Sourcing Talent Acquisition by Christopher J. Dwyer on 07/22/2024

In today’s dynamic business landscape, the age of “omni-channel talent acquisition” has emerged, providing businesses with diverse options to source and manage their workforce. From digital staffing marketplaces to traditional vendors and staffing suppliers, professional services, talent networks, and social media platforms, the choices are abundant. With this wealth of talent channels, matching project requirements with suitable skillsets has become more accessible than ever. Yet, securing top talent has grown increasingly challenging and competitive. Organizations that effectively harness direct sourcing and talent pools can cultivate a flexible, adaptable workforce, granting them a competitive advantage in a market that values agile, talent-centric responses to evolving business challenges and demands.

When it comes to direct sourcing, even the most basic programs can indeed yield tangible value, yet the stakes are higher than mere cost reduction and talent pipeline expansion.

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

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The Most Powerful Future Of Work Tool? Our Minds.

Business Leadership by Christopher J. Dwyer on 07/01/2024

There is often a major discussion around the technology-led attributes of the Future of Work movement, particularly with artificial intelligence (AI) garnering headlines and encompassing the average LinkedIn feed. However, entering a new year, there should just as much conversation around another key facet of the Future of Work: the transformation of business thinking.

This space and most of the Future of Work Exchange’s thought leadership revolves around the concepts of automation, technology, and the platforms revolutionizing the greater world of work and talent. In fact, our definition of the Future of Work pointedly refers to these advancements: the evolution of talent engagement and talent management through new technology, as well as the introduction of exciting platforms that are actively pushing the boundaries of “work optimization,” are two distinct components at the very core of this movement.

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The Reality (and Future) of Direct Sourcing

Direct Sourcing by Christopher J. Dwyer on 06/10/2024

In the ever-evolving realm of workforce management, every “hot” topic comes with its fair share of buzz. Yet, amid the hype machine that often surrounds emerging strategies, the question arises: does direct sourcing fit the mold, or is its true significance more profound than the proclamations of technology providers, executive leaders, and industry pundits (like us!) over the past few years suggest?

One of the primary challenges in understanding the true impact of direct sourcing revolves around the complexities inherent in such a program and the precise definition of genuine direct sourcing. Do enterprises that meticulously curate their talent and channel candidates into a talent pool truly encompass direct sourcing within their core workforce strategies? Does a comprehensive approach to direct sourcing, encompassing segmentation, integration into primary recruitment streams, and the facilitation of talent nurture, necessitate automation to earn its place as a cornerstone program?

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

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How Will Chat GPT-4o Impact Talent Technology?

Business Leadership HR Talent Acquisition Technology and Innovation by Christopher J. Dwyer on 05/14/2024

“The new voice (and video) mode is the best compute interface I’ve ever used,” said OpenAI CEO Sam Altman yesterday at the company’s launch of its latest AI model, GPT-4o (“omni”). “It feels like AI from the movies; and it’s still a bit surprising to me that it’s real. Getting to human-level response times and expressiveness turns out to be a big change.”

OpenAI’s latest model, GPT-4o, seamlessly blends voice, video, and text to redefine the AI interaction experience, striving for a natural and intuitive engagement. Beyond mere text processing, this model comprehends and reacts to both audio and visual inputs, ushering in a more human-like interaction. Moreover, OpenAI’s efforts in enhancing responsiveness are evident as GPT-4o boasts reaction times in milliseconds, mirroring the pace of a genuine conversation.

There’s a ton to unpack in Altman’s excitement, but there’s a key word in there that means so much for the world of talent technology: expressiveness. And it will take artificial intelligence to the next level in regards to how businesses find, engage, source, manage, and retain talent.

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Announcing the “2024 VMS Technology Advisor” Report

Contingent Workforce Solution Providers Technology and Innovation by Christopher J. Dwyer on 03/21/2024

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.