The Background

During The Great Recession of 2007-2008, an era that Ardent Partners and the Future of Work Exchange pegged as “The Perfect Storm” event which triggered the first big spike in utilization of contingent labor, businesses experienced first-hand the ultimate value and impact of non-employee talent. In the span of less than 18 months, the average contingent workforce penetration rate exploded from 10%-to-12% to upwards of 18%.

In the years since, what we now call “the extended workforce” represents not only the future of talent, but, truly, the Future of Work. With nearly half (49.8%) of the typical organization’s total talent comprised of contingent workers at this point in 2024, the very realm of contingent workforce management has traversed beyond a tactical, manual-laden series of tasks into a truly strategic force that sits in the center of a new world of work and talent.

From skills-based hiring and direct sourcing to diverse staffing and forward-thinking, Future of Work-oriented functionality, the contemporary extended workforce necessitates next-generation automation that can fuel total talent intelligence and help realize the definitive value of non-employee talent.

Enter Beeline.

Why They Were Selected

Beeline represents the veritable evolution of extended workforce solutions through its powerful array of artificial intelligence-led functionality, robust services procurement offerings, agile analytics and reporting, and longtime commitment to talent technology innovation.

Beeline has not just revolutionized the facets of contingent workforce technology, though. Beeline Acuity is one of the industry’s most groundbreaking talent intelligence tools: it is an innovative workforce analytics and compliance engine that integrates disparate data from multiple sources into a cohesive view to provide a complete picture of an organization’s workforce.

Acuity’s place alongside the solution’s extended workforce platform (itself a giant leap from traditional VMS automation), its Best-in-Class services procurement/SOW module, and other key offerings (such as the mid-market-focused Beeline Professional and its digital staffing powerhouse, JoinedUp), is a welcome addition to a Future of Work-era provider that continues to be talent-centric, humanity-led, and innovation-driven.

In Their Own Words

“At Beeline, we are honored to be recognized by Ardent Partners and the Future of Work Exchange as a leader in shaping the Future of Work. This accolade reflects our commitment to innovation and our dedication to driving meaningful transformation. As the workforce evolves, so must our approach—moving away from the traditional ‘command and control’ model toward one focused on enablement and oversight. AI plays a crucial role in this shift, empowering organizations to make smarter, faster decisions while amplifying the unique human qualities of judgment, creativity, and empathy. At Beeline, we see AI as the catalyst for unlocking the true potential of the external workforce.” – Colleen Tiner, Chief Product Officer at Beeline

The Outlook

True AI integrated into end-to-end automation? Check. Firm commitment to extended workforce innovation? Check. Candidate- and human-centric solution design that is aligned with the new, progressive era of work and talent? Check. Beeline’s VMS and extended workforce functionality is, and will continue to be, synonymous with the Future of Work movement.

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No other industry is as impacted by the developments in the technology space as much as talent acquisition and workforce management. The advent and rapid deployment of artificial intelligence has absolutely transformed so many facets of both ordinary life and the business spectrum, however, its impact is ever-present in a world in which its many automated arms have the ability to revolutionize so many organizational attributes.

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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.”

The post Shaping the Future of Work: Beeline and Upwork’s Omni-Channel Approach appeared first on The Future of Work Exchange.

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.

The post Announcing the “2024 VMS Technology Advisor” Report appeared first on The Future of Work Exchange.

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

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There is no easy answer, unfortunately. The most interesting facet regarding direct sourcing is that the industry has not yet settled on a true definition; much like contingent workforce programs can be called such without a drop of automation or third-party support, direct sourcing often falls into the same spectrum. Even without a VMS, extended workforce platform, or MSP in place, businesses can state that their non-employee workforce programs are tried-and-true (and “end-to-end”) even in cases where additional attributes, particularly services procurement and SOW management, aren’t considered part of the overall initiative.

Misconceptions surrounding direct sourcing often center on the intricacies of its implementation and the true characterization of what qualifies as genuine “direct sourcing.” Does an enterprise curating its talent internally and channeling candidates into a talent pool truly embody direct sourcing as a core workforce strategy? To discern the essence of direct sourcing, we must explore its full spectrum, including segmentation, integration into primary recruitment streams, and the facilitation of talent nurture capabilities — which is where the question arises: is automation indispensable for it to be deemed a true, end-to-end program? Do enterprises require deeper talent technology stacks to ensure direct sourcing meets its potential as a talent acquisition gamechanger?

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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.

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The post How Do We Define Direct Sourcing in 2024? appeared first on The Future of Work Exchange.

The concept of “omni-channel talent acquisition” has become table stakes for businesses seeking to thrive in these uneven economic times that are compounded by fierce, global competition from enterprises across the world. No longer do traditional staffing strategies drive enough value for those organizations seeking top-tier talent; the very underlying attributes of omni-channel talent acquisition are threaded within a larger, more expansive approach towards talent engagement that traverses beyond archaic measures.

Platforms such as direct sourcing solutions, talent marketplaces, freelancer networks, and digital staffing outlets are the very foundation of omni-channel talent acquisition. However, leveraging these sources on top of everyday talent engagement methods is just one piece of a larger, more dynamic puzzle; in order for businesses to truly derive next-generation value from expanded talent sources, they require connections between both omni-channel sources and their core systems of record.

Work marketplace market leader Upwork, oft-considered the largest provider of digital staffing technology, recently announced two unique partnerships with major VMS players.

“We’re thrilled to have announced the first of many partnerships with leading VMS and MSPs, with the initial two being SAP Fieldglass and FlexTrack,” said Matt Ryan, Upwork’s VP of Enterprise Solutions. “The partnerships are truly strategic and offer significant advantages to our enterprise customers. Our integration with VMS ensures a highly efficient and effective hiring process and enables businesses to manage on-demand talent effortlessly within their existing workforce structures.”

The new collaborations with SAP Fieldglass and FlexTrack offer a holistic solution for seamlessly sourcing and hiring expert independent talent, and, by integrating Upwork’s global network of skilled professionals with these cutting-edge VMS platforms, enterprise customers can directly access a talent pool spanning over 10,000 skills in more than 180 countries. This integration centralizes workforce management, onboarding, and payments, simplifying processes within existing workflows. Furthermore, the VMS partnerships mitigate risks associated with hiring outside established procurement processes, providing comprehensive control and reducing redundant approvals and hiring workflows.

“Our customers and many leaders recognize the challenges and importance of navigating an intricate web of diverse tools and platforms. Our goal is to help them further engineer an agile, dynamic workforce strategy, providing an end-to-end solution to seamlessly integrate diverse talent, optimize operations, and stay ahead in today’s environment,” said Ryan.

The innovation behind Upwork’s partnerships (and integrations) with SAP Fieldglass and FlexTrack represent the veritable future of not just digital staffing, but talent acquisition, as well. As the extended workforce continues to grow in both size and prominence (Ardent Partners and Future of Work Exchange research peg the penetration of this labor at 49.5% of the overall workforce), enterprises will require real-time, dynamic tools to enhance the overall lifecycle of talent management.

“Navigating the path to enterprise success has become increasingly intricate, and the imperative to grow the top and bottom lines while keeping pace on the competitive landscape remains as urgent as ever,” said Zoë Diamadi, Upwork’s general manager of Enterprise. “This is just the beginning of the partnerships and powerful integration capabilities we plan to introduce, and we remain dedicated to providing solutions that our customers and businesses need in navigating the ever-evolving landscape of work.”

The post Upwork’s VMS Partnership Strategy and the Future of Digital Staffing appeared first on The Future of Work Exchange.

• Industrial staffing platform Employbridge hires Chris Campbell as its new Chief Product Officer. The trailblazing workforce solution, which is powered by leading digital staffing platform Bluecrew, hired the former Angi and Workhuman executive as its latest high-profile addition. Campbell will oversee the company’s continued growth and evolution. “The HCM platform ecosystem has traditionally been considered the exclusive realm of pure-play technology companies, and we’re on a quest to turn that notion on its head,” Campbell told the Future of Work Exchange. “With the acquisition and integration of Bluecrew, and a Best-in-Class software engineering and product management team working together to advance our purpose, we have a massive opportunity to not only unlock potential for every constituency that we serve but also to redefine the future of work in a way that works for everyone. What happens when you combine thirty years of deeply entrenched and locally-led expertise, national scale and influence, and a fully extensible SaaS platform that materially improves the lives of talent and clients? Let’s find out.”
• Extended workforce platform Beeline announces its innovative “Beeline Supplier Network.” The new offering is a forward-thinking solution designed to enhance collaboration, efficiency, and visibility in managing contingent labor across organizations, and was developed to serve as a marketplace and resource hub, providing tools for suppliers to showcase their capabilities, promote differentiators, and access valuable business tools, ultimately facilitating easier consideration for inclusion in extended workforce programs. “I am incredibly excited about the recent launch of our Supplier Network,” said Brian Hoffmeyer, the company’s SVP of Market Strategies. “It is a direct reflection of Beeline’s extended workforce platform strategy and will help buyers and suppliers better connect and collaborate to find and engage top-tier, high-quality talent.”
• Multifaceted workforce management solution Ceipal adds new Chief Marketing Officer, Andy Weiss, to its team. The total talent management platform, which blends ATS, CRM, VMS, and DE&I functionality under a seamless umbrella of offerings, recently added Weiss to its executive team. “I’m thrilled to bring Ceipal’s innovative staffing and recruiting technology to our valued clients and potential customers,” said Weiss. “Our mission from the start has been simplifying the work of recruiters, staffing experts, system integrators, and MSPs. Now, we’re taking it a step further. Our AI isn’t just an add-on; it’s embedded into daily workflows, making routine tasks better, faster, and smarter. Ceipal is growing fast. I can’t wait to see what we bring to the market next.”
• ServiceNow and AWS announce a strategic partnership to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities into business applications. This collaboration aims to leverage AWS’s machine learning services to enhance ServiceNow’s platform, offering users advanced AI-driven functionalities for improved business processes.
• Former Paychex CFO Efrain Rivera joins Magnit’s Board of Directors. With his extensive experience in finance and strategic leadership, Rivera is expected to contribute significantly to Magnit’s growth and development initiatives as the industry giant continues to innovate around its array of extended workforce solutions.
• While jobless claims increased slightly by 7,000 to 218,000 last week, the overall number of individuals in the U.S. collecting unemployment benefits reached its highest level in two years. Totaling 1.93 million in the week ending Nov. 18, the stat is the highest it has been since late 2021. The rise in continuing unemployment claims may indicate challenges for those already unemployed in finding new work, signaling some softness in the otherwise resilient labor market amid slowing hiring and fewer job openings.

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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).

Register for the December 12 webinar below; we look forward to seeing you there!

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With advancements in areas like direct talent acquisition, digital staffing, Vendor Management Systems (VMS), extended workforce management, total talent management, and Managed Service Provider (MSP)-led services, the field of workforce solutions has emerged as a revolutionary influence in the contemporary business landscape. Its nimbleness empowers companies to stay at the forefront of change, its adaptability aligns with the shifting nature of work, and its relentless pursuit of innovation consistently reshapes the terrain of talent acquisition and management.

As businesses continue to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of talent, the workforce solutions industry remains an essential catalyst for success, providing the essential tools and strategies necessary to thrive in an increasingly competitive environment. Today, we introduce four additional solutions that epitomize this new era of innovation.

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.

The post A New Era of Innovation, Part VI: The The Future of Workforce Technology appeared first on The Future of Work Exchange.