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The Four Trends That Will Shape the Way(s) We Work in 2024

Business Leadership Contingent Workforce Direct Sourcing Talent Talent Acquisition by Christopher J. Dwyer on 01/02/2024

By now, we’ve all heard the many elucidations on the year ahead. From predictions and financial outlooks to economic forecasts and market guesses, there are so many thoughts on how the next twelve months will unfold from business, talent, technology, and leadership perspectives.

So, essentially, we’re in for another year in which the Future of Work movement will continue to reshape and transform the very ways we think about how (and why) we work.

2023 was a watershed year. Artificial intelligence fully sped its hype train in circles around both business and consumer personas, while dire-then-rosy-then-dire-again-then-optimistic economic outlooks pushed all of us onto a nonstop financial rollercoaster. The labor market remained (and remains) a tad volatile, even though it’s showing signs of slowing steadily based on jobs data heading into the final five or six weeks of 2023 (with an approximate 12%-to-14% drop in job adds in December from November).

And then there’s cooling inflation, as well, which will (hopefully) contribute to a strong economic year as a better balance between supply and demand converges with a full year of economic and labor market consistency.

The Future of Work Exchange believes there are dozens of factors that will shape the foundation of 2024. Here are, however, four of the most critical trends:

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How Opptly Is Reimagining AI in Talent Acquisition

Direct Sourcing Solution Providers Talent Acquisition Technology and Innovation by Christopher J. Dwyer on 12/13/2023

In the greater world of talent and work, there is a convergence at hand. The growing focus on skills-based hiring is merging with business-led utilization of artificial intelligence to present a refreshing means of talent engagement and talent acquisition that promises to cut through the ever-raging “war for talent” that has been encompassing the corporate arena for years.

Ardent Partners and Future of Work Exchange research has found that nearly 75% of enterprises currently struggle with finding the best-aligned skillsets for open positions, an alarming statistic that proves that businesses will continue to grapple with a volatile labor market. The application of AI within the business stratosphere (especially over the past 18 months) has served as a veritable catalyst for recruiters, hiring managers, HR, and talent acquisition leaders to thrive in this environment.

Amidst the sweeping changes of the Future of Work movement, it’s evident that talent curation needs a profound shift. Traditional approaches no longer suffice in a world where versatility and adaptability reign supreme. As automation, innovation, and next-generation technology redefine talent acquisition, the “art” of talent curation has been reimagined; this transformation in talent curation is vital to foster a dynamic workforce capable of thriving in the ever-evolving workplace of the future.

Opptly, a proprietary AI platform company providing direct sourcing solutions as well as custom AI models and applications for both the contingent and full-time workforce to enhance talent-matching, and next-generation talent acquisition, recently announced the launch of its “Opptly.Curate” application, which promises to reshape how artificial intelligence and talent curation intersect.

“Opptly.Curate was designed and developed to further our mission to remove friction between talent and work by putting the power of our AI directly in the hands of the curator,” said Lori Hock, CEO of Opptly. “With Opptly.Curate, we have achieved our goal to deliver an intuitive user experience for curators to accelerate the most accurate talent matches.”

Opptly.Curate’s purpose-built and agile curator interface facilitates advanced interactions with the platform’s robust AI capabilities, providing curators with a streamlined, efficient solution for aligning talent with work opportunities.

The platform aids recruiters and other talent leaders with enhanced efficiency and precision, ensuring that every connection made between job seekers and job recommendations possibilities is not just seamless, but optimized for success based on numerous factors, from which curators can leverage into decision-making, most critically, the alignment between skills and expertise. Opptly.Curate’s commitment to facilitating such precise and efficient matches is a testament to its dedication in revolutionizing the talent curation landscape with its robust, skills-centered AI functionality.

Opptly.Curate offers supercharged functionality that enables the use of a success profile to interpret the contextual nature of the use of skills required, talent matching, search and refine capabilities and more. Users can tailor job descriptions and search requirements, achieving direct and immediate results, enhancing the overall talent acquisition process. In a skills-based business environment, Opptly.Curate presents an idyllic platform that represents the future of hiring. With artificial intelligence as an agile backdrop, the solution enables enterprises with the ability to transform talent acquisition; the offering’s progressive, “skills DNA” analytical capabilities allow business leaders to configure next-level talent matches based on hundreds of variables.

Skills-based hiring has become a cornerstone of the Future of Work movement, along with the digital transformation inherent within the talent acquisition arena. Opptly’s commitment to the art of talent curation, along with a powerful array of AI-fueled functionality, represents a synergy of skills-based hiring, next-generation talent engagement, and Future of Work-era strategies.

The Future of Work 2024

Events by Christopher J. Dwyer on 11/29/2023

It’s that time of year when we begin to reflect on the year that was and look ahead. For the Future of Work movement, that means we have the opportunity to chat about some of the hard-hitting concepts that have revolutionized the ways we think about work…while anticipating the transformative trends that will shape 2024.

The Future of Work Exchange is incredibly excited to host our final webcast of the year, The Future of Work 2024: Transformative Trends That Will Shape The Year Ahead, featuring an all-star lineup of panelists. I’ll be joined by Lori Hock (CEO of Opptly), Teresa Creech (Chief Corporate Development Officer at Beeline), and Amy Doyle (Global Leader, SVP at Talent Solutions TAPFIN) for a fun and engaging discussion on the technologies, solutions, strategies, and innovations that impacted 2023 and how concepts such as direct sourcing, DE&I, artificial intelligence, digital recruitment, and extended workforce management will impact how businesses optimize talent and work in 2024 (and beyond).

How Next-Generation MSPs Will Transform Total Talent Management

Contingent Workforce Talent Acquisition Technology and Innovation by Christopher J. Dwyer on 11/13/2023

For the past decade (plus), total talent management has often been akin to chasing a mirage in the business landscape—a tantalizing concept that’s been discussed widely, but rarely (very rarely) seen in its entirety within global organizations. While we’ve occasionally encountered fragments of total talent programs in a few enterprises, and observed specific facets of these endeavors, like total talent acquisition and procurement and HR collaboration, being embraced by forward-thinking workforce management solutions (and enterprise programs), the full realization of this concept has remained an elusive pursuit.

Total talent intelligence serves as the foundational bedrock of comprehensive talent management, drawing a wealth of invaluable insights from the combined workforce of both full-time employees and non-employees. This multifaceted approach hinges on the seamless integration of data originating from diverse sources, including Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS), Vendor Management Systems (VMS), Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), Freelancer Management Systems (FMS), and an array of analogous platforms like direct sourcing, digital staffing, etc. This comprehensive data synthesis empowers organizations with unprecedented depth and clarity into their entire talent pool, ushering in a new era of data-driven workforce management.

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The Power of the Company Brand in Direct Sourcing

Direct Sourcing by Christopher J. Dwyer on 10/30/2023

One of the hallmarks of direct sourcing that is sometimes lost in the aura of its growth is the link between its strategic innerworkings and an organization’s corporate brand. In fact, leveraging company branding in external communications, job portal/job board development, and ongoing candidate communications is a crucial piece of a Best-in-Class direct sourcing program.

According to Ardent Partners and Future of Work Exchange research, nearly 75% of businesses state that the ability to leverage their brand has been a value-added aspect of direct sourcing. In a candidate-driven market (and with the candidate experience as a top-of-mind focus for talent acquisition, HR, and other leaders), an employer’s brand is often a first impression for potential workers. Companies that are socially, ethically, and environmentally responsible, and those that are known for positive effects on the community, can typically draw high-end talent to branded job portals/job boards (and other outlets) based solely on the power of their brand.

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The Continued Impact of the Extended Workforce

Contingent Workforce by Christopher J. Dwyer on 10/23/2023

As the workforce adapted to remote and hybrid models over the past three-plus years, enterprises shifted their focus towards optimizing work strategies to ensure operational continuity in the face of the ongoing pandemic and global supply chain disruptions, as well as other enterprise challenges (such as today with rocky economic conditions). The concepts of operational agility and flexibility took on newfound importance, reshaping approaches to talent acquisition and management, especially in the realm of extended workforce.

One of the key competitive advantages during these challenging times has been scalability. Organizations found themselves evaluating how swiftly they could scale their operations up or down and secure top-notch talent during both times of survival and times of success.

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Digital Staffing’s Impact on the Future of Work

Contingent Workforce Direct Sourcing Talent Technology and Innovation by Christopher J. Dwyer on 10/02/2023

In the ever-evolving landscape of talent and work, the phrase “digital staffing” has emerged as a pervasive buzzword, encompassing a wide array of solutions designed to streamline the process of finding, engaging, and sourcing workers. This term has transcended its origins and evolved into a transformative force that is reshaping the way businesses access and manage their talent pools. Ardent Partners and the Future of Work Exchange (FOWX) have often discussed digital staffing technology as a game-changer in the greater world of work.

At its core, digital staffing technology represents solutions that empower enterprises to hire freelance, independent, and contingent talent without the need for intermediary systems or suppliers. These solutions traverse beyond just the recruitment process; they encompass end-to-end workforce management, encompassing vital components such as project management, worker tracking, worker classification, compliance, and risk mitigation. In essence, digital staffing technology is a multifaceted approach that revolutionizes how companies access, engage, and manage their extended workforce (which, as FOWX research has found, comprises upwards of 49.5% of the average company’s total workforce).

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A New Era of Innovation, Part V: The Transformative Solutions Landscape

Solution Providers Technology and Innovation by Christopher J. Dwyer on 09/25/2023

Over the summer, the Future of Work Exchange featured a series of articles focused on the “new era” of innovation happening within the technological landscape associated with the Future of Work movement. The exclusive feature series highlighted providers that are revolutionizing the many ways businesses not only find, engage, source, and manage talent, but also how that talent is leveraged to optimize how work is addressed and done.

Given the advancements in arenas such as direct sourcing, digital staffing, VMS, extended workforce management, total talent management, and MSP-led services, the workforce solutions arena stands out as a revolutionary force in today’s business world. Its agility allows companies to stay ahead of the curve, its flexibility adapts to the changing nature of work, and its pace of innovation continuously reshapes the landscape of talent acquisition and management.

As businesses continue to navigate an ever-evolving talent landscape, the workforce solutions industry remain a critical enabler of success, offering the tools and strategies needed to thrive in an increasingly competitive environment. Today, we feature four additional solutions that represent a new era of innovation.

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

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The Future of Work Exchange Podcast, Episode 711: A Conversation With Dave McGonegal, VP of Strategic Client Solutions at ManpowerGroup Solutions

Uncategorized by Christopher J. Dwyer on 09/06/2023

The Future of Work Exchange Podcast welcomes Dave McGonegal, VP of Strategic Client Solutions at ManpowerGroup Solutions, to discuss the implications of artificial intelligence in talent acquisition and workforce management, the evolution of the extended workforce, what’s ahead for the Future of Work movement, and much more.

This week’s all-new episode also highlights why a cooling labor market is beneficial for the overall sustainability of the workforce.

Redefining Talent Acquisition: The Age of Digital Staffing Solutions

Uncategorized by Christopher J. Dwyer on 08/28/2023

The term “digital staffing” has become a ubiquitous catch-all phrase in the realm of talent and work, encompassing technology that enables the discovery, engagement, and sourcing of workers. According to Ardent Partners and the Future of Work Exchange (“FOWX”), digital staffing technology comprises solutions that empower enterprises to hire freelance, independent, and contingent talent independently of Vendor Management Systems (VMS) or other workforce platforms (as well as traditional staffing suppliers). These solutions also manage various end-to-end processes integral to extended workforce management, including project oversight, worker tracking, classification, compliance, and risk mitigation.

The 2023 Digital Staffing Technology Advisor report serves as an evaluation of the global market for talent marketplaces, expert networks, digital staffing outlets, and encompasses direct sourcing platforms within its broader definition. In the current landscape, digital staffing technology represents far more than simple online talent portals for talent acquisition. Today’s digital staffing platforms resemble workforce management automation tools that not only facilitate candidate engagement but also streamline talent community development, talent pool creation, candidate experience management, and other innovative facets of extended workforce management.

Ardent and FOWX’s research underscores the significant evolution of digital staffing technology. The utilization of digital staffing solutions has surged by almost 800% over the past five years. This statistic serves as a testament to the profound impact these platforms wield within the Future of Work movement and the broader spheres of work and talent.

As we delve into the multifaceted landscape of digital staffing, it’s crucial to recognize the transformative role these technologies play. Beyond the surface-level notion of connecting talent with opportunities, digital staffing platforms now function as intricate orchestrators of the entire talent lifecycle. Their influence extends far beyond mere talent acquisition—they catalyze a paradigm shift in how enterprises interact with and manage their extended workforce.

Consider the dynamic functionalities that define today’s digital staffing platforms. They not only facilitate seamless candidate engagement but also cultivate thriving talent communities and dynamic talent pools. This speaks to a shift from transactional relationships to engagement models founded on genuine interaction and value exchange. Furthermore, the concept of candidate experience management takes center stage, reflecting the growing realization that each touchpoint with potential and existing talent shapes organizational perceptions and success.

What’s evident from the surging adoption of digital staffing solutions is their potential to reshape the way we work. These platforms empower businesses to navigate the intricate landscape of the extended workforce with agility, efficiency, and innovation. Their impact reverberates across industries, allowing enterprises to adapt and thrive in the rapidly evolving world of work.

As we navigate the evolving landscape of digital staffing, it’s imperative for organizations to grasp the holistic potential these technologies offer. Beyond their instrumental role in talent acquisition, they serve as catalysts for holistic workforce strategies. The interplay of talent acquisition, talent engagement, and talent management within these platforms creates a unified ecosystem that’s uniquely poised to drive success in the Future of Work.

To learn more, download the new Digital Staffing Technology Advisor report.