Freelancers such as VAs form a cornerstone of the future workplace

According to insight from global talent acquisition and management firm Alexander Mann Solutions, freelancers will perform an inherently fundamental role in the future workplace as greater numbers of millennials continue to enter the workforce. However, few firms are equipped to attract and manage such a workforce.

Market insights indicate that there has been a significant increase in non-permanent hiring of freelancers over the last decade, and according to a recent survey conducted by Alexander Mann Solutions, 63% of senior HR professionals believe that non-permanent hiring will continue to increase over the next two years. Further insight from the firm showed that effectively utilising the contingent workforce will become increasingly important for firms looking to harness the skills of industry-leading professionals.

Laurie Padua, Director of Technology and Operations Consulting at Alexander Mann Solutions explains: “When you consider that millennials are expected to account for a staggering 75% of the global workforce by 2030, it’s hardly surprising that HR managers expect non-permanent hiring to increase substantially over the next few years. The generation currently entering the workforce is renowned for the emphasis they place on flexibility, and there is little doubt amongst the HR community that their preferences will continue to shape changes in the nature of the workplace.

“However, what is particularly concerning is the lack of measures that some firms have in place to effectively ultilise this growing share of the workforce. In order to benefit from access to industry leading talent, senior HR professionals need to ensure that there are HR processes in place to efficiently source and manage the engagement of non-permanent professionals. HR managers will also need to ensure that they conduct thorough reviews of their attraction and retention strategies and implement measures to proactively engage with highly skilled contingent professionals or risk losing not only the ability to access vital skills, but also any advantage over competitors.”