One of the many ways that tech innovation is impacting the global work force is the introduction of “agile” talent acquisition and management. This model enables project-based hiring in coordinated, rapid-change business environments to increase overall productivity and efficiency. When companies hire and manage talent in a fluid environment, teams deliver better work, faster.
Having proven successful in the software development world, the agile approach today is spreading across a broad range of industries and functions, and companies both large and small, are moving away from traditional employment models. In the Global Human Capital Trends 2016 survey, which included more than 7,000 responses from firms in 130 countries, 51% of executives indicated they expected to hire more freelancers in the next three to five years. And by some estimates, the number of employees who are independent contractors, consultants, freelancers, Second Shifters—whatever you want to call them—now equals 20-40% of the workforce, and is expected to continue to grow in the coming years.
An agile talent management strategy incorporates the speed and coordination of fluid methodologies for any type of workforce need. For example, Creative Artists Agency (CAA) came to The Second Shift to hire a market research expert to augment their existing team and help guide a new business pitch. The Second Shift expert they hired for the project was able to work remotely with their team on a comprehensive market analysis based on decades of specific industry experience. Companies that think outside of the traditional employment model gain a competitive edge because the agile approach enables them to:
• Staff up and down with experts as needed
• Hire the best talent from anywhere in the world
• Institutionalize fresh perspectives and voices
• Reduce overhead costs and risks associated with full-time hires
The Second Shift is uniquely positioned to work with businesses to expand their flexible talent pool and create a nimble and innovative workforce. Acquiring talent via our platform provides access to a strictly vetted network of active professional women with a minimum of 10 years expertise in all aspects of marketing and/or finance.
When you work with the Second Shift to hire agile you:
• Enhance Profitability: Hiring on-demand talent helps achieve more in a shorter time frame, and increased productivity = more money!
• Gain flexibility: You’ll find our members from the East coast to the West and anywhere in between, and available for all types of flexible work. Whether you are looking for an in-office resource to cover a 3-month parental leave or a remote employee to conduct a one-week market study—we’ve got you covered.
• Increase your speed to market: Once you post a project, you will immediately begin to receive pitches from qualified resources. From there, the unique structure of our marketplace allows for seamless closed communication to manage project scope, pricing and final payment.
• Tap into top innovators: The Second Shift matches vetted talent with your specific business challenges, and each member of our network has 10+ years of experience in their field working for top global brands and Fortune 500 Companies. When you need a rock star, we have one for you. Post a project now!
Today’s most innovative companies including, About.com, Microsoft and XO Group partner with The Second Shift to identify and engage on-demand experts to fill critical project-based roles—and you should too! Share your thoughts on adopting an agile talent management strategy by leaving a comment below. Watch for out next post covering tips to ensure success with agile talent.